**Romesh Ranganathan 'Gutted' Over Closure of Coughlans Bakery**
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has expressed his disappointment following the closure of Coughlans Bakery, a chain he co-owned. The bakery, which has been a staple in the UK for 89 years, announced its decision to cease trading on Tuesday after entering voluntary liquidation.
Coughlans Bakery operates multiple locations across Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, and south London. The managing director, Sean Coughlan, attributed the closure to several financial pressures, including the government's increase in national insurance contributions for employers, which took effect in April 2022, and rising business rates. Coughlan stated that these factors had severely impacted local businesses, claiming they had "absolutely smashed" the bakery's operations.
In a social media post, Coughlan revealed that the company faced an additional £20,000 in weekly costs due to the spike in fuel prices, exacerbated by recent conflicts in the Middle East. He noted that the extreme heatwaves experienced in the southeast of England, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C, further contributed to the bakery's struggles. Coughlan remarked that customer turnout during these hot days was significantly lower, resulting in the bakery earning only about 50% of its usual weekly revenue while expenses remained unchanged.
Ranganathan, who became a co-owner of the bakery in 2024, had previously expressed excitement about the partnership, calling it "the partnership of the century." He was particularly drawn to Coughlans Bakery for its range of plant-based products, aligning with his vegan lifestyle. In response to the closure, Ranganathan shared Coughlan's announcement with his 1.4 million social media followers, captioning it with "Gutted isn't the word."
Coughlan praised Ranganathan for his dedication and support throughout their partnership, stating, "I feel like we've absolutely let him down. Everything he's done, it's been from the heart." The managing director emphasized the emotional toll the closure has taken on both him and Ranganathan, reflecting on the bakery's long-standing history and the community it served.
As the news of the closure spreads, many customers and fans of Ranganathan have expressed their sadness over the loss of the beloved bakery. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local businesses in the UK, particularly in the wake of economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors.
Coughlans Bakery's decision to enter voluntary liquidation was made to ensure that suppliers and employees could still be paid, despite the unfortunate circumstances. The closure marks the end of an era for the bakery, which has been a cherished part of the community for nearly nine decades.
As the story continues to develop, both Ranganathan and Coughlan remain hopeful for the future, reflecting on the impact of their venture and the lessons learned throughout their journey.