Beloved bakery with 150-year-old history announces ‘devastating’ closure & says ‘this is where it all comes to an end’
A BELOVED bakery has shut its doors for good after seven years, with the owners saying they are "utterly devastated and heartbroken".
Bread2Bake in Ludlow, Shropshire, received an outpouring of support from loyal customers after the announcement.
The fifth-generation Artisan Baker closed for good on April 14 after seven years.
The owners told customers they could not keep going amid the cost of living crisis as it became the latest in a long line of small businesses to be hit with increased rent, bills and more expensive ingredients.
Posting an emotional statement on Facebook, owners Rob and Luci said "this is the one where it all comes to an end".
They said: "We are utterly devastated and heartbroken to have to share this news with you, but as of today Bread2bake had closed its doors.
"We would like to thank each and every customer from the bottom of our hearts for all your love and support you have shown us over the last seven years - we simply wouldn’t have got to seven years without you .
"But from the rise in rent, electricity, ingredient costs, wages, NI coupled with the ongoing battle of having to repay for being successful we simply can’t carry on any longer.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing staff who have all worked so hard fighting to keep us going over the last 12 months.
"You guys have truly gone above and beyond. We are extremely grateful and proud of everyone of you!"
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They wrapped up the heartfelt post by saying: "It’s time to say goodbye and thank you for being part of Bread2bake family.
"You will never know how sorry we are that we have had to make this decision.
"From the bottom of our hearts THANK YOU! All our love, Rob & Luci."
The Swift family, who own the bakery, began baking bread all the way back in 1863.
Hannah Swift created loaves in Staffordshire, and more than 150 years on, Rob continued the tradition in Ludlow.
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By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Queen Camilla even has a copy of his book, "Born and Bread" which was written to mark their 150 anniversary of baking.
Warm comments beneath the post demonstrated the heartbreak in the local community.
One customer said: "We moved to the area last July and we loved your Lemon tarts, it was so nice to have a local bakery so close that made such delicious goodies."
"Thanks for making such delicious bread, buns and other treats over the last seven years," another said.
"We are so sad that you have closed because you guys are the best!!
"Good luck for the future and please let everyone know if you are ever planning a pop up or a grand reopening. I will be there!"
One sweet comment read: "It's so wrong that your business has been squeezed to death like this and all the lovely staff out of jobs.
"I wish you and Luci love and luck for the future. What a horrible time for all of you. Your bread is amazing and I feel sure you will be back again!"
The Pastry Box in Shropshire posted to say a "sad goodbye" and encouraged people to support local businesses.
"It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that our wonderful bread supplier, Bread2Bake, has sadly ceased trading.
"They’ve been more than just a supplier—they’ve been a part of our journey, consistently delivering quality, care, and the kind of craftsmanship that’s rare to find. Their loaves were always baked with love, and our customers noticed.
"This news is a sobering reminder of just how difficult it is out there for small, independent businesses. The rising costs of ingredients, energy bills, and increased National Insurance contributions for employees have created an almost impossible environment to stay afloat in.
"Please continue to support local and small businesses wherever you can, every visit really does make a difference."
This is the latest in a long line of closures by struggling small businesses.
Just last week, another family-run bakery announced it was shutting all of its stores after 55 years.
The Crusty Cob, a family-run artisan bakery, confirmed the closure of all nine of its shops across Devon and Somerset, explaining that the tough financial climate led to the "difficult" decision.
The business, which has been run by generations of the Tubbs family since it was founded in Exeter in 1969, stopped trading yesterday, March 4.
The closure affects branches in Exeter, Exmouth, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Budleigh Salterton, Tiverton, and Burnham-on-Sea, impacting 102 employees.
In a statement, directors Neil, Howard, and Trudy Tubbs expressed their gratitude to staff and customers who have supported them over the years.
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In March, Butter Wouldn’t Melt in Warrington, Cheshire also told sweet-toothed fans that it will not be renewing its lease.
which specialises in vegan bakes, revealed with a "heavy heart" that it will be closing both of its shops in Glasgow last month.
