A coffee shop in Brentwood has closed down after five years in business, with its owner thanking the community for "unwavering support".

Woodland Coffee Shop in Ongar Road permanently closed after serving customers for a final day on September 21. 

The business survived lockdowns in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic but took to its Facebook page to bid goodbye. 

Director and owner Dmytro Karpenko addressed his customers in the post, saying the closure comes "with a heavy heart". 

He wrote: "As I reflect on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our local community.

"From the very beginning, Woodland Coffee Shop became more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee.

"We shared so many special moments together—first dates, the excitement of meeting newborns from our regular customers, celebrations of school and university graduations, new job milestones, and even the sorrow of losing loved ones.

"Reflecting on these five years, my heart is filled with an overwhelming number of beautiful memories that words cannot fully capture."

In its five years of business, the coffee shop took up a Pay it Forward scheme where people facing a tough time could enjoy a snack or drink paid for by another customer. 

The business also took part in collecting donations of items needed for the people of Ukraine. 

Closing the statement, Dmytro welcomed customers to visit their second location Nest Creperie in High Street, Brentwood. 

The post on Facebook attracted the attention of customers who took the opportunity to share their feelings. 

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One user wrote: "Such a shame, best cafe in the area by far", with another adding, "This is sad, such a lovely little place and the coffee is fabulous. Wish you luck in the future x".

The cafe was also popular with customers on Tripadvisor. One reviewer who visited in March wrote: "Lovely service from a friendly team in a nice cosy shop.

"The coffee was so good that I bought a kilo of it!"