Coughlans Bakery, an 89-year-old chain part-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, has shut down, with owners blaming increased government costs and recent heatwaves. The bakery, which operated shops across south London, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, ceased trading on Tuesday after entering voluntary liquidation.
Ranganathan Expresses Devastation
Ranganathan, known for his deadpan stand-up comedy, became a co-owner in 2024, calling it "the partnership of the century." He reposted a video from managing director Sean Coughlan to his 1.4 million Instagram followers with the caption: "Gutted isn't the word." In the video, Coughlan said: "Romesh has been amazing, I want to thank him so much. I feel like we've absolutely let him down. Everything he's done, it's been from the heart. He's devastated. None of us saw this coming."
Government Costs Blamed
Coughlan cited the Government's decision to increase national insurance contributions for employers in April last year, along with high business rates that had "absolutely smashed local business." He said these taxes, combined with a spike in fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, cost the company an extra £20,000 a week. "Romesh has been amazing, I want to thank him so much. I feel like we've absolutely let him down. Everything he's done, it's been from the heart," Coughlan added.
Heatwaves Deliver Final Blow
Coughlan said recent heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 35C in South East England, were the "nail in the coffin." He explained: "These two heatwaves where no-one really seems to come out. We literally take about 50% of what we would normally take in a normal week, with our outgoing still exactly the same, which is absolutely heartbreaking." The business entered voluntary liquidation to ensure suppliers and employees could still be paid.
