Lively pub, but it has a long standing reputation for being rough, which is justified. There is generally a large and lively crowd in on a Saturday night, and there are several bouncers (or bikers or somthing?) on the door, but it is still a little unnerving. You won't see a larger collection of shaved heads and short sleeved polo shirts in Exeter! It's a good venue for live music too, and the quality of cover and tribute bands is more at the level of clubs rather than pubs. The atmosphere in the pub has improved since the smoking ban, but my mrs got a lung infection after a visit to the Longbrooke when it was very smoky, and the air con was knackered. Better more recently. read more