In recent years, there’s been an explosion in the social scene of Devon’s much-loved capital city. But with no shortage of good places to meet and mingle, it can be hard to choose when it’s a special date or first get together.

At the www.westcountrysingles.co.uk Exeter office, we have our firm faves. Coolings on trendy Gandy Street is definitely one of them. It calls itself an ‘anti High Street clone store’ and its cellar bar is of the most romantic spots in the city – despite rumors that it is haunted! They have a brilliant wine list, world beers and soft subdued music that is perfect for chatting rather than trying to shout over clubby tunes.

Just along the street is JG’s (John Gandy’s), a revamped pub with – it claims! – the sexiest toilets in Exeter. Airy light and bright, this is a safe bet for arranging a first date. The soft squishy sofas are good for laid back conversations and there is familiar local cooked dishes on the menu such as burgers, pasta dishes and their popular £5 meal deal. For a food lovers who don’t necessarily want a fussy restaurant experience on a first date.

Try the Bar Menu at The Jack In The Green Inn. On the outskirts of Exeter, this is a gastro pub with a brilliant chef and ‘unmissable food’ written all over it. It’s a great place that won’t fail to impress any South West foodie.

Finally, for sunny summer evenings, head to Zizzi (back on Gandy Street) for lots of lovely warm wooden furniture, nicely spaced out tables, a lovely big conservatory – oh and some pretty fine wood fired pizza too!