Janes Pantry Buys Coughlans Bakery Sites, Plans Reopenings

Bakery chain Janes Pantry has acquired several former Coughlans Bakery sites, with plans to reopen at least 20 of them under its own brand. Coughlans Bakery, which had shops across Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, and south London, ceased trading in June.

Janes Pantry, based in Gloucestershire, confirmed the purchase from liquidators. The company stated that the reopening of these shops would restore jobs, bring units back into use, and contribute to high street footfall, benefiting the business, employees, and the local economy.

Former staff from Coughlans will be invited to reapply for positions at the reopened locations. The future of other Coughlans sites not included in this acquisition is subject to ongoing discussions.

Coughlans Bakery had cited increased business rates and rising employers' national insurance contributions as primary reasons for its closure. Sean Coughlan, the former managing director, had previously stated that these factors "absolutely smash local business." In response to such concerns, Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell defended the changes, asserting their necessity for increased public service investment.

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who is vegan and was part-owner of Coughlans, will not be involved in the new venture. He had previously expressed disappointment over the chain's closure. Janes Pantry, established in 1971 in Gloucester, currently operates 12 shops and employs over 100 staff.