Being of strong Northern Irish roots, former Exeter Chiefs Fly-Half – Gareth Steenson was missing a good Irish bar to enjoy the best of traditional Irish hospitality and of course a pint or two of ‘the black stuff’, so The Stand Off was born!

In 2014 Steeno converted his garage at home into a bar complete with beer taps, barstools, dartboard, and all the rugby memorabilia he has acquired over his long and successful rugby career.

The Stand Off name came from Steeno enjoying listening to Scottish commentator Bill McLaren (known as ‘the voice of rugby’) constantly referring to the flyhalf position as The Stand Off. As Steeno was one of the leading fly-halves in world rugby, The Stand Off was a perfect name choice that represents his rugby roots.

Steeno’s ‘garage’ bar became legendary with rugby fans (especially after featuring on BT Sports).

Then in 2018, The Stand Off Irish bar was brought to life in the centre of Exeter!

Matthew Reynolds, Gareth Steenson and Carl Rimmer

Steeno’s homebar.

Live Sport In Exeter

With 7 large TVs throughout the bar and restaurant as well as a giant projector, you will be able to see sport wherever you look. We are passionate about rugby, so you will never miss a televised game, but we are also sports-mad, so we try and show as many live sports as we can every day.

Best Guinness in Exeter

Great Beers and Guinness

It wouldn’t have become a legendary bar if the beers weren’t flowing. We offer many beers, ales, ciders, and of course Guinness on tap, as well as a great selection of spirits and wines. The choice is yours!

We have become especially known for the quality of our Guinness, so if you love the black stuff, we are a MUST visit for you!

Amazing Pub Food and Award-Winning Sunday Roasts In Exeter

What rugby fan doesn’t love their food? Quality food is a passion for us, and we want our customers to not only see us as a great place to drink and watch sports but also enjoy delicious pub classics! Our Sunday roasts are all locally sourced from our butchers and freshly cooked. Think more about the sort of food you would expect from a quality golf clubhouse!

Live Music and Bands In Exeter

It wouldn’t have Irish roots if you weren’t jigging along to a brilliant band. This is exactly what we offer! The best local bands play on our stage and create one of the best party atmospheres in the city. Check out our Live Music & Events listings page for further details.

The bar has a lot of the magic that was present in Steeno’s garage, with customers enjoying looking at all the different rugby memorabilia that features on every wall from Steeno and Carl’s extensive rugby careers. Plus many of their rugby friends from around the world have sent things in as well! A true shrine to rugby for any rugby fan!