The Exploding Bakery Cafe — Restaurant in Exeter

This is a really lovely bakery and cafe, however, three of us came in and all purchased a coffee and sat down with laptops on one table. There were plenty of free spaces for other customers, and we would have welcomed anyone to sit on our table as well. After all purchasing a drink, we were sitting for maximum 15 minutes and a member of staff said we had to close all of our laptops as it was 'busy'. Even though there were loads of free seats. She said there were signs, but these only stated laptops were not allowed in busy periods, which frankly, it was not. We said we would leave, but our friend still had half a coffee and had also just gone over and bought a croissant which he had barely started eating. Therefore, we wanted to wait for him to finish, She came over again about 30 seconds later and said we had to close our laptops immediately. We all felt quite disheartened by the experience, and even though the coffee was lovely, I would not recommend. All the staff had seen we had laptops and no-one had said anything, but they had allowed us to buy food and drink before promptly kicking us out. If they do not want laptop users they need to find a better policy than making us leave immediately after purchasing. Quite a sad...

Excellent coffee - best in Exeter. I have been slightly disappointed with the cakes I've tried, though (especially given the quality of the coffee). For a place called 'The Exploding Bakery' I would expect there to be a greater variety of baked goods and flavours. Unfortunately, the times that I've visited, they have always had three or four variations of what is essentially the same cake, with the same spongy consistency that leaves your mouth dry. As the owner clearly reads the reviews posted here, I would encourage him to try out other recipes, or at least to consider varying them every now and again. I think many customers would appreciate it. And more reviewers here would rave not only about the superb quality of the coffee but also about the quality of...

The best coffee and the best bread. We've just tried their sourdough and rye cob - absolutely fantastic....it won't last long here!

Their toasted sandwiches are something else, their cakes are delicious with a good assortment. I also really enjoy their salad bowls.

It's such a well presented place, a real treat. It's one of the nicest, most attractive eateries in Exeter city centre!

PS) The bitter person complaining of them being cashless, I speak for many when I salute them for that. We are in new times and this is moving on in the world. Working in retail, I can understand how we no longer have the need or time for notes and coins!!

I'm glad to see the back of dirty old notes, especially with that...