Bakery buys comedian's former sites after closure

Coughlans Bakery, a chain once owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, is set to reopen under a new name after several of its sites were sold. The company announced in June that it had ceased trading due to high business rates and increased employers' national insurance contributions. Bakery business Janes Pantry, based in Gloucestershire, has acquired several of Coughlans' locations from its liquidators and plans to open 20 new shops under its own brand.

Former employees of Coughlans will be offered the opportunity to reapply for positions at the reopened stores. The bakery stated that each reopened shop means restored jobs, a revived unit, and increased footfall on the high street, which benefits everyone involved - the company, its employees, and the local economy. Some of the Coughlans estate sites are still under discussion for potential future reopening.

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, a vegan who initially joined the business due to its plant-based product range, will not be involved in the new venture. He expressed disappointment over the chain's closure. Former managing director Sean Coughlan cited the rise in employers' national insurance contributions and high business rates as factors that devastated local businesses.

Later, Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell defended the decision, arguing that the closures were necessary to invest more in public services. Janes Pantry, established in Gloucester in 1971 and currently operating 12 shops with over 100 employees, acquired the Coughlans locations.