Coughlans Bakery confirmed the closure of the business in a social media post after entering voluntary liquidation.
In a post on the company’s Instagram page, managing director and co-owner Sean Coughlan announced the news “with the heaviest of hearts”.
The closures include stores in Beckenham and West Wickham, leaving customers in the borough of Bromley, saying goodbye to two longstanding local branches.
Here’s the full list of South East London stores affected:
- Beckenham – 188 High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1EN
- West Wickham – 99 Station Road, West Wickham, BR4 0PX
In the post, Sean said the decision to close was driven by a combination of financial pressures, including rising National Insurance contributions, business rates, fuel costs and ingredient prices.
He said the company’s fuel bill had doubled from £3,000 to £6,000, while recent heatwaves had significantly reduced customer footfall.
Sean said: “We are obviously devastated, we never thought we would be in this boat. Rates have absolutely smashed local businesses.”
Coughlans Bakery was founded in 1937 by Jack Coughlan and grew from a single family-run bakery into a third-generation business serving customers across South London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex.
The chain became known for its handmade artisan products, including traditional breads, cakes, pastries, doughnuts, sandwiches and a popular vegan range, all made using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Before its closure, Coughlans operated 31 stores and an events catering arm, with branches spanning South London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex. The business had locations in a number of communities including Croydon, Caterham, Epsom, Beckenham and West Wickham.
Sean added: “There’s been 41 members of the Coughlan family within our business over its 89 years. Without you guys, we wouldn’t have been here for these 89 years.”
