9 UK bakeries close or crash into administration - oldest in business for 400 years
Several UK bakeries have been forced into administration or closed down completely in recent months (Image: Getty)The British high street has been dealt a staggering blow as a large number of popular bakeries have been forced to shutter or enter administration amid a hellish storm of economic pressures. From historic family institutions to modern artisan favourites, the sector is reeling under the weight of relentless operating costs, with many owners admitting they can no longer bridge the gap between soaring energy bills and declining footfall.This wave of collapses has sent shockwaves through local communities, marking the end of an era for several businesses that had survived world wars and previous depressions, only to be defeated by the current cost-of-living crisis. Leading the list of casualties is the legendary Brown’s Original Banbury Cakes Limited, a historic gem that has vanished after nearly 400 years in business, having first opened its doors in the early 1600s. It is joined by other centenarians such as the 109-year-old Routledges in Carlisle and the iconic 139-year-old Roberts Bakery, which was forced into a dramatic "pre-pack" administration to save its remaining operations.A lockdown success story, delivering brownies across the UK entered liquidation in April (Image: Getty)Best Ever Brownie Company - 18 years in businessReason for closure: Collapsed into liquidation in April 2026A lockdown success story, this Wiltshire-based family business saw rapid growth by delivering indulgent brownies across the UK and eventually opening a flagship store at the Swindon Designer Outlet. However, the combination of a difficult economic climate and the founders' personal health challenges led to a sudden halt.The business closed its physical doors in January.Birds Bakery - 107 years in businessReason for closure: Strategic closure of the Derby Road branch (and others) in March 2026 due to a "significant decline in trade" and high street footfall.A legendary name in the East Midlands, Birds became famous for its pork pies and fresh cream cakes, growing to a chain of over 60 locations. While the company as a whole remains active, it has had to make "difficult decisions" regarding its historic high street presence due to shifting consumer habits.Notting Hill Bakery plunged into administration in January 2026 with debts exceeding £1million (Image: Getty)Big Bakes Bakery - 16 years in businessReason for closure: Shuttered its Exeter shop in January 2026 to focus on online "postal" orders and wholesale, citing a desire to "reduce stress and pressure" from rising commercial rates.Originally starting as a cupcake specialist during the 2010 baking boom, this Devon-based bakery built a loyal following for its "monster-sized" brownies and cookies. The owners decided to pivot their business model to protect their own wellbeing and adapt to the modern retail landscape.Notting Hill Bakery - 18 years in businessReason for closure: Entered administration in January 2026Located in a prime London tourist hotspot, this bakery and wholesaler - associated with renowned restaurateur Sally Clarke - earned near-perfect ratings from locals and visitors alike for its high-quality artisan bakes. Despite its popularity, the business struggled with massive liabilities that far outweighed its assets.It plunged into administration in January 2026 with debts exceeding £1million after its parent company declined to provide further financial support.Routledges has been known for its bread, pastries and filled rolls since 1917 (Image: Getty)Wildcraft Bakery - 13 years in businessReason for closure: Entered liquidation in March 2026This award-winning Leeds bakery was a pioneer in the gluten-free market, moving from a home kitchen to a dedicated storefront and national delivery service. Despite a passionate community of supporters, the extreme volatility of gluten-free ingredient prices proved too much to overcome.It entered liquidation after "months of fighting to keep going," though the owner is currently seeking to relaunch as a smaller micro-bakery.Routledges - 109 years in businessReason for closure: Liquidation in April 2026This Carlisle-based family chain was a staple of the North West for over a century, known for its bread, pastries and filled rolls across eight branches. The owners expressed "incredible heartbreak" when they announced they could no longer fight the rising tide of overheads.It entered liquidation after a shortfall of nearly £779,000, driven by an estimated £80,000 surge in energy and wage costs.Brown’s Original Banbury Cakes Limited had served its signature spiced currant pastries since the early 1600s (Image: Getty)Brown’s Original Banbury Cakes Limited - 400 years in businessReason for closure: Voluntary dissolution in April 2026This historic institution was the oldest on the list, serving its signature spiced currant pastries since the early 1600s. For centuries, the business guarded its family recipe, surviving the transition from a physical shop on Parson’s Street to an online-only model in its final decades.While the company was officially incorporated in its modern form in 1998, the lineage of the "Original Banbury Cake" dates back to the early 1600s. The Brown family - Quakers Lizzie and Lottie Brown - took over the business in the late 1800s. Philip Brown has managed the brand for the last 30 years, preserving a recipe that has remained largely unchanged since the reign of James I.The company officially ceased to exist on April 7, 2026, when it was dissolved according to Companies House records. At 78, Mr Brown chose to wind down the company rather than sell the secret family recipe.Roberts Bakery - 139 years in businessReason for closure: Entered administration in early 2026Based in Northwich, this industrial giant baked millions of loaves a week and was one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the UK. The business suffered a significant blow following a major fire at its plant in 2023, which created long-term financial instability exacerbated by the energy crisis.It entered administration earlier this year, before being rescued via a pre-pack deal by Roberts Bakery 1887 Ltd, which allowed it to continue trading while shedding previous debts.Alexander Taylor Bakery - 206 years in businessAvoided total closure by being sold to a private investor in April 2026As Scotland’s oldest bakery, this institution was a cornerstone of the community for over two centuries, passing through generations of the same family. It faced a precarious future in early 2026 as operational costs made independent family ownership increasingly difficult to sustain.
