The catering and hospitality sector in Exeter
- Head chef salary (September 2019) in Exeter: £34,042.56 a year / £16.37 per hour
- Sous chef salary (September 2019) in Exeter: £27,429.92 a year / £13.19 per hour
- Chef de partie salary (September 2019) in Exeter: £22,632.81 a year / £10.88 per hour
The vibrant, attractive city of Exeter is steeped in history. Founded by the Romans two millennia ago, Exeter became a major religious centre during the medieval and Tudor periods. Now, the county town of Devon has evolved into a centre for modern business and tourism in the South West of England.
Thankfully, much of the city’s illustrious past is still around. Exeter Guildhall is the oldest civic building in Britain, with certain sections dating as far back as 1160. Built in 1769, the Royal Clarence Hotel is the oldest hotel in Britain and has some parts that date back to the 1500s.
Historical visitor attractions include the imposing Roman wall, subterranean Underground Passages, awe-inspiring cathedral and picturesque Quayside. The award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is also an ideal place to explore the city’s 2,000-year history on a rare rainy day.
Exeter is also a hub for academic excellence. The University of Exeter is regularly voted as one of the UK’s top ten universities, with famous alumni including JK Rowling, Will Young, Caroline Lewis and Rhod Gilbert.
Other notable individuals with roots in Exeter include the late, great comedian Tommy Cooper, singer-songwriter and actress Joss Stone, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Exeter also hosts many festivals, spanning a range of interests. From the Exeter Film Festival to the Exeter Food and Drink Festival, the city’s festival itinerary provides plenty of seasonal work for catering and hospitality professionals.
The food and drink scene is certainly in a good place. In 2017, Exeter City Council said there was a “food and drink revolution” underway in the city, and with new eateries opening up every year, it’s hard to argue with that claim. Exeter has something to suit all tastes — whether it’s an evening out at a two Michelin-starred restaurant or sampling the earthy delights of Exeter Farmer’s Market on a Tuesday afternoon.
Wages are also highly competitive. According to the most up-to-date Blue Arrow data, the average head chef in Exeter can expect to take home up to £30,000 a year, while a sous chef earns around £26,800. And with unemployment in Exeter falling comfortably below the national month-on-month average, you’ll be stepping into one of the best employment markets around.
For catering and hospitality professionals looking to up their game, the Exeter area has many opportunities for training and development.
