Coughlans Bakery, a beloved family-run chain with more than 30 locations across south London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex, has permanently closed its doors after 89 years in business. The bakery, which was part-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan since 2024, succumbed to a sharp increase in operating costs that made the business unsustainable.
Customers express devastation
News of the closure, which took effect on Tuesday June 30, prompted an outpouring of grief from loyal customers. On Reddit, one user wrote: 'Noooo I love Coughlans. I can’t believe they’re closing. Their biscuits were so good.' Another added: 'I just fell to my knees noooo.' A third commented: 'Gutted. So much better than Greggs food and now where do I go for my lunch?'
Many praised the bakery’s menu, including its vegan options. 'They had so many great vegan options,' said one customer. 'RIP your Mushroom roll and all those delicious yumyums, donuts and cookies.' Others shared memories of visiting Coughlans since childhood. 'Gutted. Been going to a Coughlans for cakes and pasties since I was a kid – a major loss to Croydon,' said one. Another recalled: 'I am genuinely gutted to hear this, we used to live on lower Addiscombe road in the 80s and my Dad would always get something for me and my sister after school from the Coughlans on that road.'
Financial pressures force closure
Managing director Sean Coughlan announced the bakery’s voluntary liquidation, explaining that the decision was made to ensure staff and suppliers could still be paid. In a video, Coughlan cited a 'sharp increase' in costs this year, including higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage rises, business rates and fuel costs. These charges were reportedly amounting to around £20,000 a week, which was unsustainable. 'Rates have absolutely smashed local businesses, local retail,' Coughlan said.
The recent hot weather in the UK also contributed to the decline, as weekly sales dropped when shoppers opted for ice cream instead of baked goods.
Romesh Ranganathan reacts
Romesh Ranganathan, who became a part-owner in 2024, announced the closure on Instagram, saying: 'Gutted isn’t the word.' In a formal statement, Coughlans Bakery expressed gratitude: 'It’s been our absolute honour to have served you all our tasty treats and thank you all for your incredible support and love and we will miss you all. Thank you to all our team over the last 89 years that made Coughlans Bakery the fun environment it has been, thank you to all our families who are always absolute rocks and a massive thank you to our newest family member Romesh.'
The statement continued: 'You’ve been incredible, kind, compassionate and we’ve had so much fun together and fingers crossed we can do something in the future as our partnership is very special and you will be my family forever. Please please please remember to shop local, our high streets need your love.'
