Comedian's Bakery Investment Goes Viral with Signature Pastry
British comedian and actor Romesh Ranganathan, a committed vegan at 47, has invested in the family-run Coughlans Bakery, originally established in 1937. This traditional bakery has recently captured widespread attention on social media platforms, particularly for one standout menu item that has food enthusiasts buzzing.
The Viral Crème Brûlée Croissant
Food reviewer Gerry, from the popular Instagram account @bitetwicefoodreviews, embarked on a visit to the Croydon branch of Coughlans Bakery to sample the much-hyped crème brûlée croissant. In a video shared online, Gerry expressed his curiosity, asking, "Is the Romesh Ranganathan co-owned bakery actually any good? Let's find out." He highlighted Croydon's cultural significance, mentioning its associations with the comedy series Peep Show, musician Stormzy, and model Naomi Campbell.
Upon arrival, Gerry filmed the bakery's exterior, noting an advertising board featuring Ranganathan's image, before showcasing the interior. He zoomed in on the crème brûlée croissant, explaining, "This has been all over my Instagram and my TikTok, it's the crème brûlée croissant." The pastry, priced at £3.80, was described as "huge" and an "absolute goliath." Gerry praised its temperature, remarking, "It's roasting hot, more bakeries need to be dishing out hot pastries."
A Masterclass in Flavour and Texture
After taking a bite, Gerry delivered a glowing review. He stated, "This is a masterclass in how you fill a croissant. Despite the fact it being absolutely full to the brim inside, it doesn't feel overtly sweet and sickly." He elaborated on the balanced flavours, noting, "The flavours are properly balanced, there's more glaze than a freshly cleaned window - stunning." The crème brûlée filling received particular acclaim, with Gerry exclaiming, "The crème brûlée filling, it's so f***ing good... it's got crunchy textures, soft textures, it's creamy but it's the full works, man."
Gerry concluded his review by declaring the crème brûlée croissant the bakery's standout item, saying, "If there's a reason to come to Croydon, this is one of them. Hands down, from the stuff that I've tried at Coughlans, this is their winner." In his Instagram caption, he simply wrote, "Old skool bakeries FTW [for the win]."
Social Media Reactions and Vegan Appeal
The review sparked enthusiastic responses from other Instagram users. One commenter expressed amazement, writing, "Blows my mind that it's vegan too!" Another shared a personal connection, stating, "I discovered recently almost all their pastries etc etc are dairy free. Was so excited for my son who is allergic to milk. We've got one in Epsom too."
Long-time fans of Coughlans Bakery also chimed in. One reminisced, "Coughlans is my childhood! You need to try more like their yum yums and sausage rolls. They are so good." Another added, "Loved Coughlans when I used to live in Croydon. Must visit when back in Croydon visiting family!"
Historical Context and Bakery Background
Coughlans Bakery, a family-operated establishment since 1937, offers an extensive plant-based range that includes doughnuts, cinnamon buns, artisan bread, wild mushroom sausage rolls, and more. The crème brûlée croissant draws inspiration from the classic French dessert, which dates back to a 1691 recipe by Francois Massialot. Traditionally made with a custard of egg yolks and milk topped with a caramelised sugar shell, this version has been adapted into a vegan-friendly pastry that maintains its rich, indulgent character.
Romesh Ranganathan's involvement adds a celebrity touch to this beloved local bakery, blending traditional values with modern vegan trends. The viral success of the crème brûlée croissant underscores the growing demand for high-quality, plant-based baked goods that do not compromise on taste or texture.
