(Image credit: Devon Live)

EXETER – Grow Coffee House, a beloved café located on South Street in Exeter city centre, has abruptly shut its doors, sparking confusion and concern among its regular patrons and the wider community. The establishment, known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality coffee, has seemingly vanished without prior notice or explanation.

Sudden Closure Raises Questions

Visitors to Grow Coffee House were met with "Sorry we are closed" signs on the door this week. A peek through the windows revealed a stark contrast to the usually bustling interior: furniture has been rearranged and blinds drawn, blocking the view from the outside. The café's digital presence has also mysteriously disappeared, with its Facebook and Instagram accounts removed and its X (formerly Twitter) account lying dormant since March 2022. While the coffee shop's Google profile indicates a "temporary closure", the timing is peculiar, coming just days after receiving positive online reviews.

Attempts to Reach Out Unsuccessful

DevonLive's efforts to contact Grow Coffee House through the phone number listed on its LinkedIn page were met with an automated message stating the number is "no longer set up to receive calls." This development has left both customers and local media in the dark about the future of the popular coffee spot.

Cullompton Branch Remains Open

Interestingly, Grow Coffee House operates a branch in Cullompton, situated next to the Culm Valley Integrated Health Centre, which remains open according to Google. However, like its Exeter counterpart, the Cullompton café's social media presence has vanished, adding to the mystery of the situation.

A Community Staple Since 2019

Established in 2019 on the ground floor of Concord House in Exeter, Grow Coffee House quickly became a staple in the local community, amassing a loyal following. With a 4.6-star rating on Google, the café was praised for its "amazing staff", "delicious" food, and "warm and inclusive atmosphere." Emphasizing a positive ethos with the motto "Grow Through What You Go Through," Grow Coffee House has been a hub for socializing, remote working, and hosting events. The café prides itself on roasting its coffee in Exeter, often serving it within hours to ensure freshness and quality.

Future Uncertain Amidst Development Plans

Concord House, the building housing Grow Coffee House, is reportedly slated for conversion into luxury apartments. However, it remains unclear whether this development has any connection to the café's unexpected closure. As the community awaits answers, the loss of a cherished gathering spot leaves a void in Exeter's social and culinary landscape.

The Cullompton branch's continued operation suggests that the Grow Coffee House brand still has a foothold in the region, but the sudden disappearance of its flagship Exeter location raises concerns about the challenges facing local businesses. The situation underscores the precarious nature of the hospitality industry, even for establishments that appear to be thriving.