Blow for major British comedian as his co-owned bakery | UK News

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suffered a setback after Coughlans Bakery, the chain he co-owns, shut its doorways following practically 90 years in business.

The high avenue bakery chain, in which the tv star turned a co-owner in 2024, closed immediately after bosses blamed rising fuel prices and tax pressures for making trading unsustainable.

Owner Sean Coughlan described the choice as “devastating”, saying the business had been hit by spiralling operational prices that left it unable to continue.

Coughlan confirmed the closure in a video message shared on Tuesday, telling prospects the choice had “affected us more than we could have ever imagined”.

He said the family-run business, which had traded for virtually a century, was being pressured to shut despite durations of latest growth.

Sean also thanked employees and prospects for their loyalty over the years, describing the closure as deeply emotional for the whole staff.

The bakery reportedly ceased trading immediately following the announcement on 30 June.

How have been prices placing stress on the business?

Sean said rising fuel costs, wage pressures and national insurance coverage adjustments had mixed to add vital pressure to the company’s funds.

He revealed the business was going through further prices 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 growth and strong trading durations, he said the sudden value will increase had made the model unsustainable.

What is the historical past of Coughlans Bakery?

Coughlans Bakery was based in 1937 by Jack Coughlan and has remained in household possession for three generations, reviews The Sun.

The chain expanded to 31 places across the UK, turning into a acquainted presence on high streets.

It constructed a fame for its big selection of baked items, including vegan choices made with what it described as “the best British ingredients”.

How is Romesh Ranganathan linked to the business?

In 2024, Sean Coughlan introduced comedian Romesh Ranganathan into the business as a co-owner after the star expressed admiration for its plant-based vary.

Since becoming a member of, he was often seen working behind the counter and supporting the model publicly.

Sean described him as half of the “newest family member” in his farewell remarks.

How did prospects react to the news?

The announcement triggered an outpouring of emotional reactions from prospects online, with many expressing shock at the sudden closure.

Some described the bakery as a key half of their childhood and local communities, while others blamed wider financial situations and authorities coverage for the business’s collapse.

One buyer said they have been “absolutely gutted”, while another recalled the bakery as a long-standing half of their life in Coulsdon.

Another commenter criticised latest tax and wage adjustments, claiming that they had positioned further stress on small companies across the UK.

What did the proprietor say in his farewell message?

Sean Coughlan thanked employees for their contribution over the a long time, describing the staff as central to the business’s success.

He said the bakery had been “our absolute honour” to operate and praised staff for creating a “fun environment” for prospects and colleagues.

He added that the staff, including the “newest family member” Romesh Ranganathan, had helped form the business over its long historical past.

He ended by thanking prospects for their assist, saying they might “miss you all”.