The Terrace in Exeter closes suddenly amid sports bar plans

New plans have come forward

A popular bar in Exeter city centre has abruptly closed the same day plans went in to turn the place into a sports bar. It has been described as a "strategic decision".

Yesterday evening (October 11), a note appeared on the door of The Terrace bar in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, saying that a "technical fault" meant it wouldn't be able to open late. Another note was taped to the door a few hours late, which confirmed that the place had actually ceased trading.

The note said: "We regret to inform you that The Terrace has ceased trading and will no longer be operating as of today.

"We understand that this news will impact your reservation and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"If you have paid a deposit, please be assured that it will be refunded to you promptly. A member of the team will be in touch to process this. Thank you for your understanding and we appreciate your past support of The Terrace."

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A planning application appeared on Exeter City Council's website earlier this week, which revealed that Maven Premium Bars was planning to set up in the venue as Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen. The application is still awaiting a decision.

But in a statement issued yesterday NEOS Hospitality, which owns The Terrace, confirmed that they had already transferred the lease to the new sports bar. A spokesperson said: NEOS Hospitality has today (Friday, October 11) transferred the lease of The Terrace on Queen Street to Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen, who have exciting plans in place for the venue. We wish them all the best with their new venture.

"This is a strategic decision that will allow NEOS to focus on the roll out of its core concepts, Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues Pub, across the UK."

NEOS Hospitality owns a number of bar and nightclub brands and has been the new trading name of Rekom UK since May this year. Rekom saw a number of companies it owned collapse into administration in February which forced venues across the country to close, including Unit 1 nightclub in Exeter.

At the time of the collapse, Tradeco 2 Limited, a member of Rekom Group and then owner of The Terrace, was among the companies that had been spared from administration meaning the bar was able to escape closure.

The Terrace is now closed, eight years after it first opened, ahead of refurbishment into Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen.