Coughlans Bakery Shuts Down, Owner Blames Government Policies
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suffered a setback after Coughlans Bakery, the chain he co-owns, shut its doors following nearly 90 years in business. The high street bakery chain, in which the television star became a co-owner in 2024, closed immediately after bosses blamed rising fuel costs and tax pressures for making trading unsustainable.
Owner Sean Coughlan described the decision as “devastating”, saying the business had been hit by spiralling operational costs that left it unable to continue. Coughlan confirmed the closure in a video message shared on Tuesday, telling customers the decision had “affected us more than we could have ever imagined”. He said the family-run business, which had traded for almost a century, was being forced to shut despite periods of recent growth.
Financial Pressures Mount
Sean said rising fuel prices, wage pressures and national insurance changes had combined to add significant strain to the company’s finances. He revealed the business was facing additional costs of around £20,000 per week due to these pressures. He said: “This has affected us more than we could have ever imagined 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 new government rules on NI, wages & rates hit, it instantly hit the high street.” Despite earlier expansion and strong trading periods, he said the sudden cost increases had made the model unsustainable.
History and Expansion
Coughlans Bakery was founded in 1937 by Jack Coughlan and has remained in family ownership for three generations. The chain expanded to 31 locations across the UK, becoming a familiar presence on high streets. It built a reputation for its wide range of baked goods, including vegan options made with what it described as “the best British ingredients”.
Ranganathan's Role
In 2024, Sean Coughlan brought comedian Romesh Ranganathan into the business as a co-owner after the star expressed admiration for its plant-based range. Since joining, he was occasionally seen working behind the counter and supporting the brand publicly. Sean described him as part of the “newest family member” in his farewell remarks.
Customer Reactions
The announcement triggered an outpouring of emotional reactions from customers online, with many expressing shock at the sudden closure. Some described the bakery as a key part of their childhood and local communities, while others blamed wider economic conditions and government policy for the business’s collapse. One customer said they were “absolutely gutted”, while another recalled the bakery as a long-standing part of their life in Coulsdon. Another commenter criticised recent tax and wage changes, claiming they had placed additional pressure on small businesses across the UK.
Farewell Message
Sean Coughlan thanked staff for their contribution over the decades, describing the team as central to the business’s success. He said the bakery had been “our absolute honour” to operate and praised employees for creating a “fun environment” for customers and colleagues. He added that the team, including the “newest family member” Romesh Ranganathan, had helped shape the business over its long history. He ended by thanking customers for their support, saying they would “miss you all”.
