Bakery chain ‘better than Greggs’ is set to reopen — with one major change

The bakery shut in July after 89 years (Picture: Shutterstock / Nataly Mayak) When Coughlans Bakery announced it was closing down after 89 years in business, customers said they were ‘falling to their knees’ in despair. The family-run high-street chain had more than 30 sites across London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex, and was part-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan. But the confectionery business, which sold all kinds of deliciousness, from doughnuts to freshly baked bread, fell on hard times due to an increase in business costs, ceasing operations on July, 1. But now, there’s good news for those who have been left with a croissant-shaped hole in their hearts. Coughlans is coming back, after it was bought by Janes Bakery Limited. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Janes Bakery Limited, which trades under Janes Pantry, will be familiar to shoppers in Gloucestershire, where there are 12 stores in both Cheltenham and Gloucester. The increase in National Insurance affected the companies profits (Picture: Coughlans Bakery) The buy-out, the sum of which is currently under wraps, will see 25 stores reopen, but with one major change — the name Coughlans will be replaced by Janes Pantry. It is not yet clear which sites will be reopened, nor has a date been provided so far. However, rumours have been circulating on social media. On the Banstead, Nork & Tattenhams News Facebook group, one user, Peter Harp, claimed that the Banstead High Street branch would be one of the 25 returning under the new name, after being told by a former member of staff. This news is yet to be confirmed by Janes. Why did Coughlans close down in July? The 89-year-old chain struggled financially due to rising business costs, including an increase in National Insurance and the minimum wage. ‘This has affected us more than we could have ever imagined,’ former owner, Sean Coughlan, said at the time of closure. Adding: ‘March was a fantastic month, as was a lot of last year with our growth with new stores, but as soon as April’s new government rules on NI, wages and rates hit, it instantly hit the high street.’ Sean also attributed the closure to the rise in monthly fuel bills due to the conflict in Iran. The closure last month left locals ‘utterly heartbroken,’ with a Reddit user claiming they ‘fell to my knees.’ ‘I just fell to my knees noooo,’ added another. Someone else said: ‘Gutted. So much better than Greggs food and now where do I go for my lunch?’ When announcing the closure, co-owner Romesh said that ‘gutted isn’t the word.’ Romesh first partnered with Coughlans Bakery in 2024 (Picture: Coughlans Bakery) The new owners are now encouraging the former workers to apply to work at the bakeries. ‘Coughlans has been part of local life for generations. When shops close suddenly, the impact is felt by staff, loyal customers and the wider high street,’ said David Davies, CEO of Janes Bakery. ‘Our job now is to move quickly but responsibly: reopen viable shops under the Janes name, welcome former Coughlans’ colleagues to reapply as we go, and bring the operating discipline of a heritage baker to a much-loved local bakery estate.’ In a comment about their takeover, Coughlan’s wrote on Facebook, ‘Thank you so much for your support in what has been a very difficult time. There is good news regarding Janes bakery taking over lots of our sites, and they are very lovely.’ What do people think of the return? The news has gone down very well with fans online. Upon learning of the news, Facebook user Marianne Cornell, wrote, ‘Good news… and how good would it be if they continue selling the old Coughlan’s style of Cornish pasty.’ ‘Good news, and bringing jobs back to the high street,’ noted Linda Knowles. Marion Barrett summed up everyone’s feelings, simply putting, ‘YAY!’ Coughlans bakery was well-loved, and fans are praying their items, which included a vegan range, will return too, even if the name is no longer. On Instagram @marsharichards called their ‘raspberry crème brûlée croissant crazy good,’ which was echoed by @caevans16, who called them ‘delightful.’ Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you ‘A work of art,’ added @paul_longely, under a post about Coughlan’s doughnuts. More food news from Metro Do you have a story you’d like to share? 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