A fresh reason to visit the city: Dottie’s, Exeter

If you’re planning a trip to Exeter this season, there’s a new reason to make it top of your list.

Tucked inside Hotel Indigo Exeter, Dottie’s is stepping confidently into Spring / Summer with a new menu (from 16th April) that celebrates bold flavours, local produce and relaxed, sociable dining. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favourite spot or visiting the city for the first time, Dottie’s is shaping up to be a destination in its own right.

The new starters set the tone immediately. Think crisp, golden buttermilk-fried calamari, lifted with fresh samphire, cooling cucumber and a sharp cider tartare that gives a proper nod to the West Country. Or for something a little different, the Cheddar & Chive Custard Arancini delivers rich, savoury comfort with a playful twist, paired perfectly with a tomato and dill dipping jam.

This is where Dottie’s really leans into its destination dining credentials. The Devon duck lasagne is a standout, layering slow-braised duck leg with cider and apple, balanced by leek and Lincolnshire Poacher béchamel. Served alongside duck fat carrots and lemon-dressed greens, it’s indulgent yet considered.

For something lighter but no less impressive, the maple hot smoked salmon is beautifully paired with salt-baked beetroot, horseradish yoghurt potatoes and roasted asparagus – a plate that feels unmistakably seasonal.

And for those who believe food is best shared, the charcoal spatchcock chicken is the hero dish of the menu. Designed for social dining, it arrives with roasted potatoes, grilled lemon cous cous, mint salsa verde and yoghurt – perfect for gathering friends around the table.

Save room, because Dottie’s desserts are anything but an afterthought. The Snickers-inspired salted peanut ice cream parfait combines dark chocolate, peanut brittle and sea salt for a nostalgic yet elevated finish. Meanwhile, the strawberry and elderflower pavlova captures the essence of British summer with macerated strawberries, elderflower cream, mint and a hint of lemon zest.

Adding even more reason to return, Dottie’s Dining Club is launching this season, offering a rotating weekday deal from Monday to Friday, each paired with a drink. It’s designed to give guests a reason to drop in regularly and experience something new each time.

With its vibrant new menu and focus on sharing, seasonality and local flavour, Dottie’s is more than just a restaurant inside a hotel – it’s a place to plan an evening around. Whether you’re visiting Exeter or rediscovering it, this is one table worth booking.

Spring / Summer at Dottie’s launches from 16th April – and it’s well worth the trip.