Twenty-five of the 31 Coughlans Bakery shops that closed in July are set to reopen under the Janes Bakery name after the Gloucestershire-based company acquired the majority of the business for an undisclosed sum. The sale, completed by liquidators Paul Bailey and Kirren Keegan of BABR, aims to preserve as many jobs as possible, with former employees invited to reapply for positions as shops reopen.
Acquisition by Janes Bakery Limited
Janes Bakery Limited, a 55-year-old family-run business, has stepped in to revive the much-loved South London bakery chain. CEO David Davies expressed the company's commitment to the local community, stating, "Coughlans has been part of local life for generations. When shops close suddenly, the impact is felt by staff, loyal customers and the wider high street. Our job now is to move quickly but responsibly: reopen viable shops under the Janes name, welcome former Coughlans' colleagues to reapply as we go, and bring the operating discipline of a heritage baker to a much-loved local bakery estate."
The exact locations of the 25 reopening shops have not yet been confirmed, and it remains unclear which six sites will permanently close. The reopening marks a rapid turnaround for the chain, which ceased trading on July 1, leading to the redundancy of over 170 staff.
Background of Coughlans Bakery
Coughlans Bakery began trading from a corner shop in Thornton Heath in 1937 and grew to over 30 shops across South London, Surrey, Kent, and West Sussex. The family-owned chain was a high-street staple for nearly 90 years, known for its traditional baked goods. The sudden closure in July came as a shock to loyal customers and employees alike, many of whom were reportedly informed of their redundancy via text message.
Former owner Sean Coughlan attributed the closure to mounting financial pressures, including soaring fuel prices and changes to National Insurance contributions. He revealed that the business had been incurring additional costs of approximately £20,000 per week, which had become unsustainable despite prior expansion and robust trading periods. "This has affected us more than we could have ever imagined," Sean said. "Which is so devastating as March was a fantastic month, as was a lot of last year with our growth with new stores, but as soon as April's new government rules on NI, wages and rates hit, it instantly hit the high street."
Celebrity involvement and community impact
Coughlans hit the headlines in December 2024 when comedian Romesh Ranganathan became a joint owner after becoming a fan of the baked goods. Upon the liquidation notice, Ranganathan said online, "Gutted isn't the word." His involvement had brought significant attention to the bakery, making the closure even more poignant for fans.
The liquidators, Paul Bailey and Kirren Keegan of BABR, expressed hope that a "significant number" of former employees would be able to secure jobs once operations recommence. Bailey added, "Coughlans served communities across the South-East for almost 90 years, and its closure was a difficult outcome for the employees, customers and suppliers who supported the business over that time. From the outset of our appointment, our objective was to secure a purchaser capable of reopening as many locations as possible and preserving employment opportunities where circumstances allowed."
Next steps for the bakery
Janes Bakery Limited, known for its heritage baking expertise, plans to bring operational discipline to the Coughlans estate. The company will focus on reopening viable shops under the Janes name, with a phased approach to ensure a smooth transition. Former Coughlans employees are encouraged to apply for new roles as shops reopen, and the company has stated it will prioritize rehiring where possible.
The news has been met with cautious optimism in the communities served by Coughlans, many of whom have fond memories of the bakery's products. While the reopening details are still emerging, the acquisition signals a new chapter for the beloved chain, preserving its legacy under new ownership.
