Romesh Ranganathan 'gutted' after heatwaves force closure of 89-year-old bakery he co-owns

In the quaint streets of Surrey, where the smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, a 89-year-old bakery chain has come to an end. Coughlans Bakery, a beloved institution since 1937, has gone into voluntary liquidation, leaving behind a trail of memories and a sense of loss for the community and one of its most devoted supporters, comedian Romesh Ranganathan.

Romesh, a 48-year-old comedian and podcast host, had become an integral part of the bakery's family, partnering with the Coughlan family in 2024. His involvement was more than just a business venture; it was a labor of love. He had launched products, including the popular vegan treat, the Ranga Yum Yum, which not only brought in revenue but also raised funds for his charity, Calm, a mental health organization he's an ambassador for. The Yum Yum's success was evidence of Romesh's dedication to the bakery and its values.

Romesh's partnership with Coughlans was a rare instance of a celebrity backing a small business. It was a bond built on trust and mutual respect. In an Instagram post, Romesh shared his devastation, using the word "gutted" to describe the situation. His caption, "Gutted isn't the word," echoed the sentiments of the bakery's managing director, Sean Coughlan, who called the closure "absolutely heartbreaking." Sean's words highlighted the emotional toll the closure had taken on the family business, which had been a staple in the community for nearly nine decades.

Sean attributed the bakery's demise to a perfect storm of factors, including the Government's decision to increase national insurance contributions for employers in April last year, high business rates, and increased fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. The record-breaking temperatures in June had been the final nail in the coffin, with the bakery losing 50% of its usual revenue. The outgoings were too high, and the company couldn't survive.

As directive as the circumstances surrounding the closure may be, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for the bakery and its warm, inviting atmosphere. Coughlans Bakery was more than just a place to buy bread; it was a community hub where people came together to share stories and laughter. Romesh's involvement had only added to this charm, making the bakery a beloved destination for comedy fans and food enthusiasts alike. The Ranga Yum Yum, a product of his creativity and passion, will be remembered as a sweet reminder of the bakery's legacy.

Coughlans Bakery's closure is a reminder that even the most successful businesses can fall victim to external factors. However, it's also evidence of the power of partnership and community. Romesh's dedication to the bakery and its values had brought people together, creating a sense of belonging and warmth. As Sean Coughlan so eloquently put it, Romesh had become part of the family, and his absence will be deeply felt.

While the closure of Coughlans Bakery marks the end of an era, it's also a new beginning for Romesh and the Coughlan family. As they look to the future, they'll carry with them the memories of a partnership that warmed hearts and brought people together. Romesh, in particular, will continue to create and inspire, using his platform to spread kindness and positivity. As for Coughlans, they'll rebuild and rediscover, their spirits lifted by the love and loyalty of the community they've served for nearly nine decades.

In the end, Coughlans Bakery's closure is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can persevere. As Romesh would say, 'gutted isn't the word', but it's a sentiment that will be echoed by the community for a long time to come.