Sadness as bakery forced to close due to rocketing costs
A popular bakery in Bath has been forced to close down amid “rising costs” this autumn.
Thoughtful Bakery, on Barton Street, was famed for its delicious Danish pastries, doughnuts and bread, while night owls will miss its cocktails and small bites.
People could even take a class there on how to make sourdough bread.
Yet the growing financial pressure on traders has claimed another victim and the bakery broke the sad news to its Facebook followers on Sunday morning. The post was written by its owner, Duncan, a star baker who started out with a stall in Green Park.
He said: “It is with huge regret and sadness that we have to announce that as of Friday we have had to close for good. The world is a very different place and despite our best efforts to pivot and adapt faced with the rising costs and uncertainty, we have gotten ourselves into an untenable financial position.
“Very hard to put into words my feelings right now. To have achieved all we have achieved over the last 13 years, thanks to the loyalty and support of our customers and the hard work and dedication of the incredible team, is something that will never fade. Thank you all. Duncan and the team.”
Customers rushed to comment below the post and said they were “devastated” to learn of Thoughtful Bakery’s closure. For many, its deliveries were a highlight during the dark months of lockdown.
One woman wrote: “Devastating news. Your wonderful bread and cakes will be sorely missed. As others on here have said, thank you for cheering us during lockdown with the deliveries of your wonderful products. Take care, Duncan. Your health and wellbeing is the most important thing.”
Meanwhile, another said: “Oh no! This is terribly sad news. You’re the only city centre foodie place I visit consistently, because of the quality of your products. Surely there must be enough people in Bath who’d happily invest in the business to enable you to keep going, but perhaps this is a stark reminder of the reality of the times we’re living in.”
And another commented: “We are gutted! This government is bringing honest, decent, hardworking companies to their knees! You were a beacon of healthy food in Bath, survived lockdown with all its challenges, and you were always there for your clientele. Thank you for all you stand for. Wishing you all the very best for the future.”
Many people echoed her sentiments in wishing Duncan the best of luck for whatever he did next. Several said they had learnt to bake from him and hoped he would open another bakery soon.
Despite our best efforts to pivot and adapt faced with the rising costs ... we have gotten ourselves into an untenable financial position
Bakery owner Duncan