The Imperial had been converted from Elmfield House, built in 1810 for the County Surveyor James Green. The famous orangery was added by Dr William Buller Henderson, who purchased the property in 1897. 

It served as a hotel from 1923 with 29 bedrooms. Mrs M Pollard is listed as the first owner.


  

INTERESTING FACT 1 

The Imperial opened as a JD Wetherspoon pub on 27th February 1996.

 INTERESTING FACT 2

The Imperial almost became part of Exeter College before becoming a pub.