A Taste of Devon: Why Bel’s Kitchen Supper Club at The Hall Exeter Is a Monthly Must
Published on Exploring Exeter by Stephanie Darkes
When I think of supper clubs, I picture intimate gatherings in boujy restaurants or carefully curated dining rooms, so I was excited to see what The Hall had to offer.
Location, Location
Nestled on Exeter’s historic Stepcote Hill, The Hall provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. This Grade II-listed Victorian Sunday School has been lovingly transformed by siblings Alexei and Ruth Janssen into something rather special.
The building preserves its rich Victorian heritage; you can feel the history in its high ceilings and original architectural details. But what makes The Hall really wonderful is how the family have created a magical venue with a homely atmosphere that balances casual and refined. It’s welcoming and inviting, never stuffy or intimidating.
The Setting
Walking into The Hall, the space feels both cosy and airy. It’s a spacious room, with a small bar, a teeny kitchen, and a thoughtful layout that encourages conversation. The wooden tables, complete with flickering candlelight, create a warm, inviting ambience perfect for a gathering of friends.
I have been here several times for choir rehearsals and their infamous silent disco (you have to book mega early for that one; it sells out!). But I have never seen it as a pop-up restaurant. The rustic wooden tables added to the authentic feel of the space, which has an almost Hogwarts-esque charm.
A Mission Worth Toasting: Find & Foster’s Orchard Revival
When we entered The Hall, we were welcomed by Polly and Mat from Find & Foster Cider, a Devon-based operation doing something genuinely important for our county’s heritage.
Find and Foster’s mission goes far beyond crafting exceptional drinks; they’re actively reviving Devon’s traditional orchards, many of which have been neglected for decades.
The statistics are sobering: over 90% of Devon’s traditional orchards have been lost since World War II. Find & Foster is working to reverse this trend, collaborating with orchard owners across the Exe Valley to breathe life into these historic spaces. We learnt how their Shropshire sheep play a crucial role in this restoration – grazing to improve soil health while creating the balanced ecosystems these century-old apple trees need to thrive.
These aren’t just orchards; they’re biodiversity hotspots, home to rare heritage apple varieties that have survived over a century without chemicals. Once left to rot, apples are now transformed into award-worthy ciders that grace the wine lists of top UK restaurants. This is a testament to the quality of their craft and the importance of their conservation work.
Isabel Davies: A Chef Who Understands Devon
Having followed Bel’s Kitchen since Isabel Davies’ award-winning Bel Green Cafe days (remember when it won ‘Best Cafe in Devon’?), I’ve genuinely admired her culinary journey. Her impressive background – working alongside culinary legends like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mark Hix, and Yotam Ottolenghi – translates beautifully into menus that celebrate our local produce with sophisticated techniques.
What I particularly appreciate about Davies’ approach is her commitment to locality and seasonality – principles that resonate deeply with anyone who loves Devon’s incredible food scene. Her sourcing philosophy, working with local butchers and sustainable fishmongers, reflects the values that make our county’s culinary culture so special.
The Menu
The carefully curated prix fixe menu features locally sourced ingredients prepared with creative flair.
Our meal began with Florence Fennel & Smashed Butter Bean Bruschetta accompanied by asparagus and lovage mayonnaise. This starter was beautifully paired with a 2020 Appellation Extra Brut Champagne Method Cider, described as “crisp, dry, elegant” with “flinty minerality” – an accurate description of this sophisticated aperitif.
For the main course, diners could choose between Slow Roast Pork Belly with Sage Polenta, Courgettes, & Pine Nuts or a vegetarian option of Courgette Fritti with Whipped Cashews & Sage Polenta. The vegetarian dish I glimpsed at our table was artfully plated with ribbons of fresh cucumber, crispy tempura-style courgette, and a dollop of creamy sauce topped with toasted pine nuts. The main course was paired with a 2024 Keeved Cider from Huxham featuring honey notes and “light tongue puckering tannins.”
Dessert featured a Raspberry and almond Tart with crème fraiche, followed by a “preview” Dessert Cider described as offering “a rich and succulent balance between sweetness and acidity.” The meal concluded with a cheese course featuring traditional Devon Oak Dartmoor Cheddar and Pavé Cobble, a soft sheep’s cheese dusted with wood ash.
The Drinks
The Find & Foster cider flight was a revelation for those accustomed to commercial varieties. These fine ciders, produced using traditional methods and heritage Devon apples, were more akin to natural wines than typical ciders. Each selection was carefully paired with its corresponding course, demonstrating how well-crafted cider can elevate food as effectively as wine.
The optional cider flight (£14 for four glasses, or £3.50 per individual glass) provided excellent value and a delicious education in the diversity of traditional English cider making. Each cider showed distinct character, from the Extra Brut’s champagne-like qualities to the dessert selection’s rounded sweetness.
The Service
The staff were attentive and knowledgeable. Their evident pride in both the food and the venue enhanced the experience. Service struck the right balance between friendly and professional, thoroughly explaining each dish and its accompanying cider.
Value and Overall Experience
At the heart of this experience was the evident passion of both Bel’s Kitchen and Find & Foster Cider for their craft.
The price point is £42 per person for three courses, we think that is an absolute bargain considering the quality of ingredients, creativity of the dishes, and overall experience.
Why This Monthly Event Matters
The Hall Supper Club offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely distinctive dining experience that celebrates local producers and traditional crafts. This collaboration between The Hall, Bel’s Kitchen, and Find & Foster Cider combined exceptional food, interesting drinks, and a delightfully atmospheric setting.
This monthly event is popular—our table of four friends was surrounded by other animated groups enjoying collaboration, food, and company. I cannot recommend The Hall Supper Club highly enough for anyone looking to experience the best of Devon’s culinary scene in a uniquely charming setting.
Information about The Hall Exeter and upcoming supper club dates.
Keep an eye on their events calendar – these intimate evenings tend to book up quickly among Exeter’s food-savvy locals.
Make sure it’s firmly on your foodie ‘must visit’ list!
Steph x
Stephanie Darkes is a freelance writer and content creator who has been writing about the great things she finds in Exeter and Devon for nine years on her blogzine Exploring Exeter. Her passion for showcasing the county’s incredible food scene, independent businesses, arts, and beauty spots has also led to her work being featured in Devon Life, Exeter Life, The Exeter Magazine, Exeter Tomorrow, Exeter Daily, and GROW Exeter. Follow her adventures and local discoveries at www.exploringexeter.co.uk and connect with her on LinkedIn.
