Exeter’s student hotspot is launching Sunny’s restaurant, offering quality food and drink close to St. Luke’s
By now, most Exeter University students are familiar with The Sunset Society – a super-cozy cafe on Tiverton Road that transforms from a surf-inspired brunch spot by day to a bar with live music by night.
Most days, Sunset Society is filled with mainly college students and brunch guests enjoying good coffee, fresh food and a perfect contemporary music playlist.
We recently spoke with Howard and Ben after visiting their latest venture: Sunny’s, an art deco cafe on Heavitree Road, bringing a New York-inspired feel to St. Luke’s Campus.
The origin of Sunny’s cafe
Ben and Howard started working together in 2024. Prior to that, Howard owned a different cafe called Pura Vida, and Ben was the manager of beloved Exeter institution Timepiece. Howard took Ben on as a business partner at Sunset Society in 2024 as the two teamed up to expand the business into a 24/7 venue that could cater to all of the students’ social needs.
Called Sunset’s “baby brother” on Instagram, Sunny’s Cafe is conveniently located near the St. Luke’s campus, right across from Rowancraft Accommodation and close to RD&E. Its prime location makes it particularly attractive to healthcare workers and Sunset Society’s familiar long-term student crowd – the two groups that probably need their caffeine fix the most!
Moods
Immediately upon entering the cafe, you can notice the expressive qualities of Howard’s particular art style – pop art, colorful, bold letters and symbols. But Ben tells me that while both venues share artistic qualities, Sunny hopes it can stand on its own.
“The vision for Sunny’s was an art deco New York style coffee shop with red brick and steel beams being a big part of it,” he said.
In terms of social energy, the space is definitely aimed at a youthful, contemporary crowd, and Ben hopes to reflect the positive vibe at Sunset: “The Sunset student vibe definitely helps create a really happy and relaxed atmosphere,
“I can honestly say that in my year and a half of working here, I have not had a single customer who has been rude, everyone is so friendly!” she said.
When we visited, the cafe was already full of local regulars, and the owners hope to attract more students as word spreads.
Menu
Sunny’s, like Sunset Society, serves great locally roasted coffee (I think one of the best dirty Chai lattes in Exeter) and an evolving, reactive menu.
At Sunny’s, I have been able to try two coffees so far, a dirty chai and a flat white, and you can definitely taste the enthusiasm for the quality of their work.
They offer oat and dairy milk which is great for those with intolerances and a variety of smoothies which I haven’t tried but have heard great things about!
Sunny’s sources all of its baked goods locally from Lilac Bakery, an independently owned business known for exceptional baked goods.
Working with the community and supporting small businesses is a value for Sunny’s: “We like to create these kinds of relationships with independents instead of chains, and they (Lilac Bakery) are so good at what they do, too,” Ben said.
As for savory options, Sunny’s serves freshly made toast with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and chef and menu curator Howard loves to get creative with the dishes at both locations.
As an independently owned company, being able to experiment and make their vision as authentic as possible is very impressive and the attention to detail is what has made Sunset Society the place to be in Exeter.
Definitely pop into Sunny’s at 168 Heavitree Road if you’re into high energy, quality food and drink – plus 10% student and NHS discount!