Steak, seafood and cocktails at Circa 1924

Circa 1924, a new restaurant located just off Exeter High Street at 6 Northernhay Place, is set to take the city’s culinary scene by storm with its 1920s-inspired steak and seafood house and ‘moonshiner’ speakeasy cocktail bar.

Formerly Harry’s Grill Bar, Circa 1924 is owned by two local lads, Rob Weeks and James Waddington, who searched for months for premises that would allow them to combine their love of food and drink in a building with a vintage twist.

James explains: “After both spending time living away from the area, we couldn't help but notice that our hometown needed to recapture its culinary soul. We wanted to create a place that rivals our favourite haunts in Bristol and London and our aim is to create a venue where diners are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.”

“We opened our doors in June and have been working hard to make sure we offer the best food and drink, both in terms of choice and quality, backed up with great service. The feedback we have had from customers so far is really encouraging, with 97% of our reviews on Facebook a fantastic five out of five,” adds Rob.

Swedish head chef, Lauri Hilli, says: “The restaurant really celebrates great produce and our menu is all about using the best ingredients. Our fish is sourced locally and is served up fresh from Brixham harbour – with our fried oysters a favourite accompaniment to after-works cocktails. We are so excited to be serving Longhorn beef, which is mouthwatering and of Michelin-star pedigree.”

The kitchen team also makes sure to update its menu according to the season, with catch of the day, seasonal dishes and complementary accompaniments.

Rob and James have also introduced an element of sharing to the menu, with whole joints and sides available at Sunday lunchtime for up to four people – a great alternative to cooking at home. Sharing joints include favourites such as Chateaubriand, and this month, Lauri has also introduced a Scandinavian summertime favourite; whole Crayfish accompanied by shots of fiery Schnapps.

Lauri has previously owned restaurants in Sweden, Finland and London, and his experience, particularly with seafood, is apparent in the quality of the food that leaves the kitchen. The unflappable Swede also brings a fresh angle to the simple and classic menu. In the bar, mixologist, Jackson Cleary Herbert, serves up classic cocktails and Circa creations, as well as customers’ off-menu favourites.

Full of vintage charm, with memorabilia salvaged from Devon’s various antique stores, the restaurant plays homage to the 1920s and also reflects both Rob and James’ obsession with modern history. James adds: “Both Rob and I are history buffs and it’s been great to inject some character into the building.” Having had only 12 days to turn the old premises into their vison before opening as Circa 1924, the duo are really pleased with how the change of décor has been received.

In their early 20s, the young entrepreneurs have worked hard to realise their restaurant dream and their drive and enthusiasm is evident at Circa 1924.

Rob states: “We are committed to making this a successful, thriving restaurant and bar for years to come and are determined to make Circa 1924 the place to eat and drink in Exeter.”