Coughlans Bakery, the high street chain co-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, has shut down with immediate effect after nearly a century in business. The family-run bakery, which operated 31 locations across South London, Surrey, Kent, and West Sussex, entered liquidation on June 30, 2026.
Financial Pressures Lead to Closure
Owner Sean Coughlan confirmed the closure in a social media video, blaming rising fuel costs, wage pressures, and national insurance changes. He revealed the bakery faced additional costs of around £20,000 per week due to these factors. “This has affected us more than we could have ever imagined which is so devastating as March was a fantastic month,” Coughlan said. “But as soon as April new government rules on NI, wages and rates hit, it instantly hit the high street.”
The bakery had expanded in recent years and reported strong trading periods, but the sudden cost increases made the business model unsustainable. Coughlan also noted that recent heatwaves in the UK were the final blow.
Ranganathan’s Role and Reaction
Romesh Ranganathan, 47, became the first non-family member to join the board in 2024, investing in the bakery and becoming a co-owner and shareholder. The comedian, a proud vegan, helped expand the plant-based range, which included doughnuts, cinnamon buns, artisan bread, and wild mushroom sausage rolls. In May 2026, he served customers at two locations.
Following the closure announcement, Ranganathan reshared Coughlan’s video on social media with a crying emoji and the caption: “Gutted isn't the word.” Coughlan expressed regret, saying, “I feel like we've absolutely let him down. Rom, thank-you so much. Everything he's done has come from the heart. He's devastated.”
Impact on Staff and Customers
Coughlan thanked staff and customers for their loyalty, describing the closure as deeply emotional for the entire team. The bakery ceased trading immediately after the announcement, leaving 31 locations closed. The chain had been a staple on the southern high street for nearly 100 years.
