Blow for major British comedian as his co-owned bakery closes forever | UK | News
Romesh Ranganathan suffered a setback after Coughlans Bakery, which he co-owns, closed its doors (Image: Instagram/@coughlansbakery)
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suffered a setback after the Coughlans Bakery chain he co-owned closed its doors after nearly 90 years in business.
A chain of high street bakeries co-owned by the TV star closed in 2024 just after bosses blamed rising fuel costs and tax pressures for making the trade unsustainable.
Owner Sean Coughlan described the decision as “devastating” and said the business had been hit by rising operational costs and could not continue.
Coughlan confirmed the closure in a video message shared Tuesday, telling customers that the decision “impacts us more than we could have imagined.”
He said that the family business, which has been in business for almost a century, had to close despite recent periods of growth.
Sean also thanked staff and customers for their dedication over the years, stating that the closing was extremely emotional for the whole team.
The bakery reportedly ceased trading immediately following the announcement on 30 June.
How were costs putting pressure on the business?
Rising fuel prices, wage pressures and national insurance changes have combined to put serious pressure on the company’s finances, Sean said.
He explained that the business was facing additional costs of around £20,000 a week due to these pressures.
He said: “This has hit us harder than we could have imagined; this was devastating as March was a fantastic month, as we had been growing with new stores for most of last year, but as soon as new government rules came out in April regarding NI, wages and rates instantly hit the high street.”
He said despite previous periods of expansion and strong trade, sudden cost increases had made the model unsustainable.
What is the history of Coughlans Bakery?
Coughlans Bakery was founded by Jack Coughlan in 1937 and has remained in family ownership for three generations, The Sun reports.
The chain has expanded to 31 locations across the UK and has become a familiar presence on the high street.
It has become renowned for its wide range of baked goods, including vegan options, which it describes as using “the best British ingredients”.
How is Romesh Ranganathan connected to the business?
In 2024, Sean Coughlan brought comedian Romesh Ranganathan on board as co-owner after the star expressed admiration for his plant-based line.
Since joining, he has occasionally been seen working behind the counter and publicly endorsing the brand.
In his farewell speech, Sean described her as part of the “newest member of the family.”
Bosses blamed rising costs for the closure after 90 years of success. (Image: Getty)
How did customers react to this news?
The announcement sparked an outpouring of emotional reactions from customers online, with many expressing shock at the sudden closure.
While some described the bakery as an important part of their childhood and local community, others blamed wider economic conditions and government policy for the collapse of the business.
One customer said they were “absolutely gutted” while another recalled how the bakery was a long-standing part of their life in Coulsdon.
Another commenter criticized recent tax and fee changes, claiming they put additional pressure on small businesses across the UK.
What did the owner say in his farewell message?
Sean Coughlan said the team had played a central role in the success of the business and thanked staff for their contribution over the decades.
He said he felt “absolutely honored” to run the bakery and praised staff for creating a “fun environment” for customers and co-workers.
He added that the team, including “the newest member of the family” Romesh Ranganathan, had helped shape the business throughout its long history.
He thanked customers for their support and said they would “miss you all.”
