By now, most University of Exeter students are familiar with The Sunset Society – the super chilled out cafe on Tiverton Road that transforms from a surf-inspired brunch spot by day into a bar with live music by night.
Most days, Sunset Society is packed primarily with study dates and brunch attendees enjoying great coffee, fresh food, and accompanied by the perfect playlist of contemporary music.
Recently, we spoke with Howard and Ben after visiting their latest endeavour: Sunny’s, an Art Deco-style cafe on Heavitree Road, bringing a New York-inspired flair to St. Luke’s Campus.
The origins of Sunny’s cafe
Ben and Howard began working together in 2024. Before then, Howard owned a different cafe called Pura Vida, and Ben was the manager of Exeter’s beloved institution, Timepiece. Howard took Ben on as a business partner at Sunset Society in 2024 when the duo collaborated on expanding the business into a day-and-night venue that could cater to all student social needs.
Sunny’s cafe – dubbed Sunset’s “baby bro” on Instagram – is conveniently located near St. Luke’s campus, just across from Rowancraft Accommodation and close to the RD&E. Its prime location makes it especially appealing to healthcare workers and the long-time student crowd familiar with Sunset Society – two groups who probably need their caffeine the most!
The vibes
Immediately coming up on the cafe, you can spot the tell-tale characteristics of Howard’s particular art style – pop art, colourful, bold lettering and symbols. But Ben informs me that although both venues share artistic qualities, Sunny’s hopes to stand on its own.
“The vision with Sunny’s was an art deco New York style cafe, with the red brick and steel beams being a big part of that,” he said.
In terms of social energy, the space is definitely targeted towards a youthful, contemporary crowd, and Ben hopes to mirror the positive vibes over at Sunset: “The student custom at Sunset definitely helps create a really happy and relaxed atmosphere,” he said.
“I can honestly say in a year and a half of working there I haven’t had a single customer I found rude, everyone is so friendly!”
When we visited, the cafe already had a stream of local regulars, and the owners hope to incorporate more students into the mix as word spreads.
The menu
Sunny’s, like Sunset Society, serves great locally roasted coffee (one of the best dirty chai lattes in Exeter, in my opinion) and an evolving, reactive menu.
I got to try two coffees so far at Sunny’s, a dirty chai and a flat white, and you can definitely taste the enthusiasm for quality in their work.
They offer oat and dairy milk, which is great for those with intolerances and a range of smoothies which I haven’t tried but heard great things about!
Sunny’s sources all of its pastries locally from Lilac Bakery, a fellow independently-owned business known for exceptional baked goods.
Working with the community and supporting small businesses is a value at Sunny’s: “We like to make these kinds of relationships with independents as opposed to chains, and they’re [Lilac Bakery] so good at what they do too,” Ben said.
When it comes to savoury options, Sunny’s serves freshly made toasties with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and chef and menu curator Howard loves getting creative with dishes across both venues.
As an independently owned business, being able to experiment and make their vision as authentic as possible is super impressive, and that attention to detail is what’s made Sunset Society such an establishment in Exeter.
Definitely stop by at Sunny’s on 168 Heavitree Road if you’re a fan of good energy, quality eats and drinks – plus a 10% student and NHS discount!
