Coughlans Bakery, the family-run chain that closed all its stores in July after 89 years, is set to return under new ownership and a new name. Janes Bakery Limited, which trades as Janes Pantry, has acquired the business and plans to reopen 25 of its more than 30 former sites across London, Surrey, Kent, and West Sussex, according to an announcement confirmed by the company.
Rebranding and Reopening Plans
The buy-out, the financial details of which have not been disclosed, will see the Coughlans name replaced by Janes Pantry. The company has not yet specified which locations will reopen or provided a timeline, but speculation has emerged on social media. In the Banstead, Nork & Tattenhams News Facebook group, user Peter Harp claimed that the Banstead High Street branch would be among the 25 returning, citing information from a former staff member. Janes has not confirmed this.
Janes Pantry is a familiar name in Gloucestershire, where it operates 12 stores in Cheltenham and Gloucester. The takeover is expected to bring back jobs and a beloved local bakery to communities that mourned its closure.
Why Coughlans Closed
The original closure in July was attributed to rising business costs, including increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage. Former owner Sean Coughlan said at the time: 'This has affected us more than we could have ever imagined. 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.' He also cited rising monthly fuel bills due to the conflict in Iran as a contributing factor.
The announcement of closure devastated loyal customers. One Reddit user wrote, 'I just fell to my knees noooo,' while another said, 'Gutted. So much better than Greggs food and now where do I go for my lunch?' Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who was part-owner, said at the time that 'gutted isn’t the word.'
New Owners and Community Reaction
Janes Bakery is now encouraging former Coughlans workers to reapply for positions. CEO David Davies stated: '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.'
Coughlans themselves expressed gratitude on Facebook, writing: 'Thank you so much for your support in what has been a very difficult time. There is good news regarding Janes bakery taking over lots of our sites, and they are very lovely.'
Fans have welcomed the news. Marianne Cornell commented, 'Good news… and how good would it be if they continue selling the old Coughlan’s style of Cornish pasty.' Linda Knowles noted, 'Good news, and bringing jobs back to the high street.' Marion Barrett simply wrote, 'YAY!'
Many hope the new owners will retain popular items, including the vegan range and signature pastries. On Instagram, @marsharichards called their 'raspberry crème brûlée croissant crazy good,' and @caevans16 echoed that sentiment. @paul_longely described their doughnuts as 'a work of art.'
The reopening marks a new chapter for the bakery, with Janes Pantry aiming to preserve the legacy while bringing operational discipline. Further details on locations and opening dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
