24/08/2026
💚 Probably the hardest post I've ever had to write...
After a lot of thought and with a very heavy heart, I've made the incredibly difficult decision that The Vine will be closing its doors.
Fruit and veg is pretty much all I've ever known. I started as a Saturday boy at Stokes when I was 13. I'm 40 now, so after 27 years in the trade it's going to feel very strange not being surrounded by boxes of fruit and veg every day!
The truth is, it's an incredibly tough industry to make a living in. The margins have always been small, but over recent years virtually every cost of running a small business has gone up — rates, stock, wages, energy, fuel, rent and everything in between — while you're still trying to keep prices competitive and give customers good value. Eventually something has to give.
I'm gutted it's ended this way, but I'm also incredibly proud of what we built and what The Vine became.
A special mention and massive thank you has to go to Dave. We started The Vine together and he played a huge part in building and growing the business. I'll always be grateful for what we achieved together.
And of course, my family. They've probably made more sacrifices for The Vine than anyone realises — early mornings, late nights, missed time together and all the stresses that come with running a business. Without their support, patience and understanding, I honestly don't think I'd have kept it going this long. ❤️
To all my staff, past and present, our brilliant local growers and suppliers and, most importantly, every customer who has supported us over the years — thank you. I've watched families grow up, got to know people through deliveries and had customers become friends. That's probably what I'll miss the most.
We're running stock down pretty quickly now, so this Friday, 28th August, is likely to be our final full trading day. We still have a fair few frozen smoothies to work through, so the juice bar may hang around a little longer! 🥤 I'll keep you posted.
For those wondering where they'll get their fruit and veg afterwards, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Phay and the team at The Cornish Vine Cornish Vine in Bodmin (07808023176). They're another great local independent business and will be more than happy to look after you, including delivering straight to your home or workplace. 💚
So please pop in this week, say hello (or goodbye 😢) and help us give The Vine the send-off it deserves.
And after 27 years of fruit & veg, I suppose I'd better work out what I'm going to do next... 😂
So if anyone knows of any jobs going and fancies taking a chance on a 40-year-old greengrocer, give me a shout! 😂
Seriously though, to everybody who's been part of The Vine and supported us along the way...
Thank you. It really has meant more than you'll ever know. 💚
Chris
