A popular Cowley Road cafe is to close, its owner has revealed on Facebook.

The Bear & The Bean has been open for the past three years and has attracted a loyal following.

But manager Jordan O'Shea has announced the cafe is to close next month.

He said on the cafe's Facebook page: "It is with immeasurable sadness to let you know that The Bear & The Bean has to close down by the end of May.

"To me, Jordan (owner), this was so much more than just a shop.

"This was a community, a family, a common room for outsiders, a place where I'd start my day with a coffee and end it with a new friend. Thank you all for making the past 3 years so truly special and for making the place feel so alive, so fun, so creative, so memorable. Long live the Cowleyfornia Coffee Club. All our love forever, Jordan & The Bears x."

The cafe is still trading and staff member Fran Morris, also an illustrator, said: "It's such a shame - the cafe has its regulars and seems very popular."

Mr O'Shea, 26, who previously worked at Truck Store, told the Oxford Mail the cafe was closing as a result of a combination of factors - his ill health and rising rents on Cowley Road.

He said: "I lived in Cowley for 6 years. I started the Bear on a Bicycle collective and through that started working at Keen Bean Coffee Club in Truck Store.

"Combining the label and love for coffee The Bear & The Bean was born three years ago and has been the most incredible adventure.

"We’ve had exhibitions of artists from Oxford to Iran to Australia.

"We’ve had punk shows to poetry nights to political gatherings. Book launches and drunken table tennis evenings. It’s been a dream come true.

"Sadly, I’ve become ill as of late and so have had to put elements of my life on hold until I can bounce back.

"I’m sorry that The Bear & The Bean has now suffered because of this. I hope Cowley Road can afford to stay special, and can also stay strong amidst the Westgate monstrosity and the high rents that naturally challenge the independent traders and the arts.

"It’s a truly wonderful community to be a part of and it’s been an honour to be so involved."

Mr O'Shea said the cafe would shut on May 28 and a farewell party would take place next month.