News / Bakeries
Award-winning bakery announces sudden closure of three sites
An independent bakery has announced the immediate closure of its three sites due to financial and operational difficulties.
East Bristol Bakery is known for its high-quality, handmade sourdough bread, pastries and cakes, with branches in Easton, Wapping Wharf and Old Market.
But, on top of rising costs and a drop in mid-week trade, pest control issues at its West Street branch in November was the final nail in the coffin for the award-winning bakery.
The team has apologised for not being able to “keep the business alive” and thanked its community for support over the years.
East Bristol Bakery’s owner is Rob Hagen, who also operates other food businesses including The Public Market in Easton and Brockley Stores in Somerset.
Bristol24/7 has contacted Hagen for comment regarding social media accusations that former employees have made following the announcement.
View this post on Instagram
Posting on Instagram, the team laid out the reasons for the bakery’s sudden closure, from “extremely challenging” recruitment and “sharp” rises in the cost of energy and ingredients to recent increases in national insurance.
Also mentioned is “significant rodent infestation” that was recently discovered at its West Street site and has forced the business to halve its production, incurring a “financial hit of tens of thousands of pounds out of the blue”.
They said the bakery is now going into liquidation.
“Despite all of this, our team has continued to produce exceptional work,” read the post.
“I am incredibly proud of them — their skill, their commitment, and the care they put into every single product.
“I’m so sorry that we’ve not been able to keep the business alive.
“We are equally grateful to our community. Your support over the years has allowed us to exist.
“Thank you for being with us through every stage.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us — we are deeply appreciative.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
