Latest news with #CoughlansBakery


The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Huge celeb star is opening new UK bakery that's ‘better than Greggs' with ENORMOUS sausage rolls & doughnuts galore
A BAKERY hailed by fans as 'better than Greggs' is opening a brand new branch in West Sussex – and it's serving up giant sausage rolls and doughnuts galore. The latest Coughlans Bakery is set to open in Horsham on Friday, August 22. 3 3 The business is part-owned by local comedy star Romesh Ranganathan, who joined the family firm in 2024. In a video posted to Facebook, Sean said: 'Exciting news! We've just picked up the keys to a new shop.' "We've just picked up the keys to a new shop,' adding: 'We've wanted to come to Horsham for a long time. "We've got family down here and love this place.' The new site will be located at 102 Blackbridge Lane, and Sean described it as a 'quirky little site' that he hopes will be a welcome addition to the community. 'We're all about community and we love little community shops,' he told the County Times. The opening marks a full year since the family-run bakery launched its first Sussex branch in Maidenbower, Crawley, and the team say they've had their eyes on Horsham ever since. Coughlans, founded in Thornton Heath, south London, back in 1937, has grown into a fan-favourite across the south-east. Despite flying under the radar for years, it now boasts 31 shops and a loyal following. The bakery is famous for its enormous sausage rolls, eye-popping doughnuts, indulgent cakes, and extensive vegan range – all made fresh daily using traditional recipes passed down through three generations of the Coughlan family. Greggs Steak & Cheese roll appeal Romesh joined the business in 2024 after falling in love with the bakery's values – and its baked goods. Not content with just investing, the Weakest Link host rolled up his sleeves and served behind the counter at both the Crawley and Dorking shops earlier this year. Sean said: 'He likes to get stuck in.' Romesh, who lives locally, said at the time: 'I'm the most excited about this announcement because there is something that I've wanted to get involved with for a long, long time and it is... Coughlan's Bakery.' He joked alongside Sean in a clip: 'I'm gonna be doing more baking, he's going to be doing more stand-up comedy.' Coughlans has earned cult status online, with fans on social media boldly claiming its sausage rolls are 'better than Greggs'. One fan said they 's**t all over Greggs,' while others insisted the taste and size are in a different league. Still, customers do pay more for the artisan goods. A small sausage roll at Coughlans costs £2.05, compared to £1.65 at Greggs. Other items, like the tuna mayo salad baguette, can also cost over a pound more. But many loyal customers say it's worth it. Despite its rapid growth, Sean says the bakery is still rooted in the same values Jack Coughlan started with: good-quality handmade food, supporting local suppliers, and putting community first. Full list of Coughlans Bakery branches Addiscombe Banstead Beckenham Caterham, Chaldon Road Caterham, Croydon Road Chessington Chipstead Coulsdon Crawley Croydon, Brighton Road Croydon, London Road Croydon, High Street Dorking Epsom Forestdale Godstone Horley Lingfield Kingswood Nork Old Coulsdon Oxted Purley Reigate Selsdon Stoneleigh Wallington Wallington Warlingham Westerham West Wickham 3


Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Romesh Ranganathan reveals plans to step back from career in shock move - but insists he is not retiring
Romesh Ranganathan has revealed he's hitting pause on his hectic showbiz schedule - but insists he's not quitting for good. The funnyman, 47, best known for his hit BAFTA-winning series Rob & Romesh Vs, says he's taking a breather to spend more time at home. Speaking on Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4, Romesh told host Lauren Laverne: 'There's no game plan. I'm just doing whatever feels good - I'm taking a step back.' But fans don't need to panic, as the Crawley-born comic made it clear he's not packing it in for good. Romesh also opened up about life before comedy, reflecting on his old job as a maths teacher and how tough it really was. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'There's not been a single day of my comedy career that's even come close to the stress I felt as a teacher,' he said. 'I cannot speak highly enough of teachers and teaching and how I loved that job.' Romesh met his wife Leesa in 2009 when they were both working at a secondary school in Crawley. The pair tied the knot and went on to welcome three children, Theo, Alex, and Charlie – with the comedian having tattoo of his sons' names. Romesh shot to fame with his deadpan style and has become a household name thanks to stand-up, panel shows, and hit series with pal Rob Beckett. Alongside his hugely successful comedy career and Radio 2 programme, he also co-owns Coughlans Bakery in Oxted, Surrey. And just last month, he delighted fans with his hands-on approach to running the business as he served customers coffees and pastries from behind the counter on Wednesday. The down-to-earth star didn't shy away from pausing his duties to pose for selfies and chat to fans, as well as record video messages for those who missed out. In May delighted fans with his hands-on approach to running the business as he served customers coffees and pastries from behind the counter He was fully kitted out in the bakery's branded cap and hoodie, with videos and photographs from his shift showing him collecting orders and processing payments. His fans were quick to take to social media to heap praise on the comedian for taking the time to speak to all his fans during his surprise shift behind the counter. It is not the first time he has done a stint working in the bakery chain, as he has also thrilled fans with shifts in its branches in Dorking and his hometown Crawley. In February, he told the BBC of his visits: 'It was nice to meet people. I just wanted to get involved. The crowds are better than my tour show.' Romesh, who is a vegan, had initially partnered with the bakery to create a vegan treat, called the Ranga Yum Yum, before going on to become a co-owner. The delicious snack was made a permanent fixture on the menu and Romesh was partly responsible for owner Sean Coughlan setting up a branch in his hometown. Sean previously said of Romesh's involvement: 'Romesh is working behind the counter because he wants to know more about the business. He loves it.' 'He is so down to earth, humble and genuinely one of the nicest guys I ever met,' he added.


Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Top comedian leaves customers stunned as he is spotted working at a local Surrey bakery... but would YOU have recognised him?
A famous comedian left his fans stunned when he was spotted working behind the counter at a local bakery. The funnyman was spotted posing for photographs with delighted customers, who were left stunned to enter the bakery and see him working hard behind the till. He drew in the crowds to Coughlans Bakery in Oxted, Surrey, as fans lined up to catch sight of the famous TV presenter and purchase some baked goods. He is well-known for his stand-up comedy career, while he also presents his own TV shows and has a hugely successful BBC Radio 2 programme. The stand-up comic has virtually been on every TV channel, also appearing on popular panel shows including A League Of Their Own and Taskmaster. But do you know who it is? That's right, it's Romesh Ranganathan! Alongside his hugely successful comedy career, many fans do not realise that he has also been a co-owner of Coughlans Bakery since 2024. He delighted fans with his hands-on approach to running the business as he served customers coffees and pastries from behind the counter on Wednesday. The down-to-earth star didn't shy away from pausing his duties to pose for selfies and chat to fans, as well as record video messages for those who missed out. He was fully kitted out in the bakery's branded cap and hoodie, with videos and photographs from his shift showing him collecting orders and processing payments. His fans were quick to take to social media to heap praise on the comedian for taking the time to speak to all his fans during his surprise shift behind the counter. Comments included: 'Haul 10/10 as usual, not sure about the new intern though'; 'Legend, making time for everyone'; 'Romesh drawing in the crowds, couldn't stay to chat thanks to a 2pm meeting but nabbed a delish sausage roll and doughnut.' He delighted fans with his hands-on approach to running the business as he served customers coffees and pastries from behind the counter on Wednesday It is not the first time he has done a stint working in the bakery chain, as he has also thrilled fans with shifts in its branches in Dorking and his hometown Crawley. In February, he told the BBC of his visits: 'It was nice to meet people. I just wanted to get involved. The crowds are better than my tour show.' Romesh, who is a vegan, had initially partnered with the bakery to create a vegan treat, called the Ranga Yum Yum, before going on to become a co-owner. The delicious snack was made a permanent fixture on the menu and Romesh was partly responsible for owner Sean Coughlan setting up a branch in his hometown. Sean previously said of Romesh's involvement: 'Romesh is working behind the counter because he wants to know more about the business. He loves it.' 'He is so down to earth, humble and genuinely one of the nicest guys I ever met,' he added.


Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Top comedian spotted working in London bakery leaving customers stunned – would you have spotted him?
This TV star is best friends with another famous comedian SPOT THE STAR Top comedian spotted working in London bakery leaving customers stunned – would you have spotted him? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CUSTOMERS in a London bakery were left stunned when a top comedian was spotted working there. The star, who is also an actor, was seen mingling with locals as they did their shopping - but would you have spotted him? Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 A top comedian was spotted working in a London bakery Credit: coughlansbakery/Instagram 6 Can you spot the celebrity in the crowd? Credit: coughlansbakery/Instagram 6 The star was seen at Coughlans Bakery in Beckenham Credit: coughlansbakery/Instagram 6 The comedian in question is Romesh Ranganathan Credit: coughlansbakery/Instagram The star who was seen working in the local shop was comedian Romesh Ranganathan. The funny man - who's best mate is Rob Beckett - was spotted helping out at the bakery. With his baseball cap and hoodie on, he blended in with the crowd in the busy shop. Romesh was seen selling delicious baked goods, as customers looked stunned that they were being served by him. It's not a surprise that the actor was working at the Coughlans Bakery in Beckenham, as he actually co-owns part of the franchise. The 87-year-old family run business owns multiple bakeries across South East London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex Previously talking about investing in Coughlans Bakery chain, Romesh told his followers: "This is something I've wanted to get involved in for a very long, long time." He also said he was "absolutely buzzing" and it was "the partnership of the century". BECOMING A STAR Over the years Romesh has seen his star soar and go on to become a household name. He has enjoyed sold out tours around the country, as well as landing top TV gigs. Watch hilarious moment Romesh Ranganathan tells his mum off live on Parent's Evening - and in front of Mel B However, prior to finding fame, Romesh originally worked as a maths teacher and was employed at an airline caterers. After going into teaching he realised comedy was his true calling. In 2016, the comedian embarked on his debut solo tour selling over 100,000 tickets, and was presented with the Ents24 Hardest Working Comedian Of The Year award. Since then Romesh has appeared on an array of comedy panel shows in the UK and has even taken his career stateside. 6 Romesh's career has soared over the years Credit: Alex Lake - Commissioned by The Times In 2018, the star embarked on a career in America with the launch of the series Just Another Immigrant on Showtime. While in the US, Romesh also appeared on the James Corden Late Late Show, as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Following his stint across the pond, the comedian returned to America once more in 2023, with a sold-out show held at the iconic New York Town Hall. In addition to comedy success, Romesh is a familiar face on screen. Romesh is well known for starring in the popular BBC comedy King Gary. He was also the host of the now axed show, A League of Their Own.


The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Top comedian spotted working in London bakery leaving customers stunned – would you have spotted him?
CUSTOMERS in a London bakery were left stunned when a top comedian was spotted working there. The star, who is also an actor, was seen mingling with locals as they did their shopping - but would you have spotted him? 6 6 6 6 The star who was seen working in the local shop was comedian Romesh Ranganathan. The funny man - who's best mate is Rob Beckett - was spotted helping out at the bakery. With his baseball cap and hoodie on, he blended in with the crowd in the busy shop. Romesh was seen selling delicious baked goods, as customers looked stunned that they were being served by him. It's not a surprise that the actor was working at the Coughlans Bakery in Beckenham, as he actually co-owns part of the franchise. The 87-year-old family run business owns multiple bakeries across South East London, Surrey, Kent and West Sussex Previously talking about investing in Coughlans Bakery chain, Romesh told his followers: "This is something I've wanted to get involved in for a very long, long time." He also said he was "absolutely buzzing" and it was "the partnership of the century". BECOMING A STAR Over the years Romesh has seen his star soar and go on to become a household name. He has enjoyed sold out tours around the country, as well as landing top TV gigs. Watch hilarious moment Romesh Ranganathan tells his mum off live on Parent's Evening - and in front of Mel B However, prior to finding fame, Romesh originally worked as a maths teacher and was employed at an airline caterers. After going into teaching he realised comedy was his true calling. In 2016, the comedian embarked on his debut solo tour selling over 100,000 tickets, and was presented with the Ents24 Hardest Working Comedian Of The Year award. Since then Romesh has appeared on an array of comedy panel shows in the UK and has even taken his career stateside. 6 In 2018, the star embarked on a career in America with the launch of the series Just Another Immigrant on Showtime. While in the US, Romesh also appeared on the James Corden Late Late Show, as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Following his stint across the pond, the comedian returned to America once more in 2023, with a sold-out show held at the iconic New York Town Hall. In addition to comedy success, Romesh is a familiar face on screen. Romesh is well known for starring in the popular BBC comedy King Gary. He was also the host of the now axed show, A League of Their Own. 6