Business Details
40 Years
experience
Antiques & Caf in Exeter's Historic Quayside
Established in 1986, Exeter Antiques Centre On The Quay occupies a historic Victorian warehouse on Exeter's Quayside, blending centuries-old maritime heritage with modern commerce. Our antiques centre houses 15-20 dealers offering diverse collections spanning glassware, jewellery, furniture, and ephemera, while our caf provides freshly prepared meals with riverside views. The building's evolution from customs transit shed to cultural hub reflects our commitment to preserving local history while fostering community engagement.Through continuous improvements, we maintain a welcoming environment where visitors can explore curated antiques, enjoy homemade cakes, and experience Exeter's revitalised waterfront. Our management cultivates collaboration among dealers, ensuring both seasoned collectors and casual browsers discover unique treasures within our historic walls.
Services
Antique Sales
Collectables Market
Riverside Caf
Cultural Events
Heritage Tours
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Established in 1986 with continuous operation in Exeter's historic Quayside
- 15-20 specialist dealers offering diverse antique collections
- Riverside caf serving freshly prepared meals daily
- Historic Victorian warehouse with architectural significance
- Regular cultural events enhancing community engagement
Services
Antique Sales
Our antiques centre showcases 15-20 specialist dealers offering curated collections across multiple categories. From fine china and silverware to rare books and ephemera, each item reflects Exeter's rich maritime and cultural heritage. The diverse inventory ensures both serious collectors and casual browsers discover unique pieces in our historic riverside setting.
Riverside Caf
The caf provides freshly prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients within a converted Victorian warehouse. Guests enjoy brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea while overlooking the River Exe, combining modern culinary standards with the building's historic character for both tourists and local residents.
Cultural Events
Regular cultural programming includes live jazz performances on summer Sundays and seasonal community events. These activities enhance visitor experience while maintaining connections to Exeter's UNESCO City of Literature status, creating dynamic interactions between historical architecture and contemporary cultural expression.
Heritage Preservation
The building's ongoing restoration maintains original architectural features while improving visitor comfort. This approach preserves Exeter's maritime history through physical conservation of the 19th-century warehouse, ensuring future generations experience authentic elements from its customs shed and fish market eras.
Tourist Information
As part of Exeter's revitalised Quayside, we provide access to local attractions including the Custom House and Stuart Line Cruises. Our location serves as both commercial destination and gateway to regional tourism, offering practical information about nearby cultural venues and recreational activities.
Questions
What antiques can I find at Exeter's Antiques Centre?
Our 15-20 dealers offer diverse collections including glassware, china, jewellery, clocks, furniture, books, coins, and ephemera across multiple historical periods.
Does the Riverside Café have outdoor seating?
Yes, we provide riverside seating for meals and afternoon tea when weather permits, offering views across Exeter's historic Quayside.
Are there cultural events at the venue?
We host live jazz performances on summer Sundays and seasonal community events within our historic building and adjacent Transit Shed.
What are the parking options?
Cathedral and Quay car park is 2 minutes walk away, with additional metered roadside spaces and disabled parking adjacent to our building.
How long has the business operated?
Exeters Antiques Centre and Riverside Café have occupied this historic Victorian warehouse continuously since 1986.
Is the venue accessible for disabled visitors?
We provide disabled parking spaces adjacent to our building and accessible routes through both the antiques centre and café areas.
