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Culprit Coffee in Kitsilano quietly closed down

Culprit Coffee may have had the boldest exterior wall in Kitsilano, but news of the cafe and gluten-free bakeshop's demise has been slow and quiet.

Culprit Coffee may have had the boldest exterior wall in Kitsilano, but news of the cafe and gluten-free bakeshop's demise has been slow and quiet.

Late last summer, Culprit posted a notice that they would be "closed until further notice." As things played out, they ended up closing for good in early September, bidding an understated goodbye to the community that loved the quirky cafe.

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"Unfortunately the lovely staff at Culprit have chosen to move on. We'd like to thank our lovely regulars and others in the coffee lovers community for all of their support and friendship these past few years. Thank you all for the great memories," writes Culprit in a farewell message.

A similar message is handwritten and posted on Culprit's doors, which have been closed for five months now.

Culprit first launched in 2012 at 2028 Vine Street in Kitsilano. Previously the space has been The Life Accessory Store and a Mum's Gelati shop. As Culprit, the space was known for being one of Vancouver's cafe hidden gems, a beacon for vegan and gluten-free folks, and a little quirky, too; they boasted a cool flashlight hanging light fixture done by a local artist, and could put their signature raccoon on the foam of any espresso drink. Plus that yellow brick wall was amazing for Instagram.

No word yet on what may be moving into the space.