21/05/2026
Well, here's an announcement I never wanted to make.
After nearly 11 years of trading -- the last 3 under my management -- I am making the hardest decision I've ever had to make, to close Hops + Crafts.
The short version of why is that there is simply not enough business. Every year since I took over has seen prices go up and sales go down. It's been a gradual but steady decline, and my attempts to boost business haven't had an effect. I've been supplementing the shop's takings with extra pub shifts near-continuously to make ends meet, and I don't expect things to get better given the current economic climate. There's just no money left. It breaks my heart to close the shop that has been such a big part of my life, but I don't really have a choice.
The cost of living crisis has made it a brutally hard time for both shoppers and independents, and small businesses in particular. Everybody is struggling to some extent or another, having to prioritize essentials when spending money.
I plan to stay open until late July, so we'll be around for a couple more months. I'm still figuring out the best way to go about closing (this is very much a first for me), and will provide more details when I have a clearer idea.
I don't know yet what I'll do after the shop is gone, but I sincerely hope that this won't be the end of my craft beer journey in Exeter. After nearly 10 years working at some awesome pubs and bars, making friends and loved ones for life, it always felt like this was it -- I'm the beer guy now, that's who I am. I'm currently learning the hard way that life doesn't always work out the way you expect.
For the moment, I'll continue to supply you all with the best selection of beer I can muster, like the shop always has, since founder Chris opened in 2015, helping to transform Exeter's then-lacklustre beer scene into a living, breathing community. If Hops + Crafts has meant something to you in the past decade or so, please do swing by for a final beer or two.
I could handily keep writing but it's probably better that Instagram's character limit prevents me from doing so. For now, stay tuned for relevant updates, and peace and love to you all.
- Jack
