Romesh Ranganathan's Vegan Bakery: A Food Critic's Honest Review
Comedian and actor Romesh Ranganathan, known for his vegan lifestyle, has invested in a historic British bakery, Coughlans, which was first established in 1937. This family-run business has expanded its offerings to include an extensive plant-based selection, featuring traditional baked goods such as doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and wild mushroom sausage rolls. But does it live up to the hype? A food critic recently visited the Croydon branch to find out.
The Viral Crème Brûlée Croissant
Content creator Gerry, from the popular Instagram account @bitetwicefoodreviews, made a trip to Coughlans Bakery in Croydon to sample their crème brûlée croissant, a pastry that has been trending on social media. Crème brûlée, a classic French dessert dating back to a 1691 recipe by Francois Massialot, typically consists of a sweet custard made from egg yolks and milk, topped with a caramelized sugar crust. Coughlans has creatively incorporated these flavors into a vegan croissant.
In his review, Gerry highlighted the croissant's impressive size, describing it as an "absolute goliath" priced at £3.80. He praised its temperature, noting that more bakeries should serve pastries hot. Upon tasting, he emphasized the masterful filling, stating it was "full to the brim" without being overly sweet or sickly. The balance of flavors and the generous glaze received high marks, with Gerry calling it a "stunning" example of bakery craftsmanship.
Community Reactions and Bakery Legacy
Gerry's review concluded with strong endorsement, suggesting that the crème brûlée croissant is a compelling reason to visit Croydon. He noted that Coughlans maintains a local bakery feel while emphasizing quality over bougie pretensions. In the comments section of his post, Instagram users echoed this positivity. One person expressed amazement that the pastries are vegan, while another shared excitement about the dairy-free options, beneficial for those with milk allergies. Longtime fans reminisced about childhood visits and recommended other items like yum yums and sausage rolls.
Coughlans Bakery, with its rich history since 1937, continues to thrive under part-ownership by Romesh Ranganathan, blending traditional baking with modern vegan trends. The Croydon branch, along with others like in Epsom, offers a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors seeking high-quality plant-based treats.
