News — UK — Coughlans Bakery

Coughlans Bakery owner slams UK business rates after entering liquidation

The closure of the 89-year-old business underlines growing hospitality industry resentment towards the UK tax programme, which have added extra costs to already spiralling overheads

1 July 2026

2 min read

Coughlans Bakery at Pirie Place, Horsham | Photo: Coughlans Bakery/Facebook

The closure of the 89-year-old business underlines growing hospitality industry frustration with UK government policy

One of the UK’s oldest bakeries has abruptly closed all its stores, with its Managing Director heavily criticising an unpopular business rates regime.

Business rates for UK hospitality businesses increased significantly in April 2026 following the end of government pandemic relief support, which reduced rate payments by 75% in some cases.

While pubs and live music venues received a new 15% discount from 1 April 2026, cafés were excluded from the additional support.

UK trade body UKHospitality forecast that higher business rates would force two-thirds of hospitality operators to cut jobs and see one in seven (15%) left with no option but to close.