Famous British bakery chain is being forced to close its flagship store because it’s TOO popular, says boss

A BRITISH bakery chain is being forced out of a famous market for being too successful. Despite being at the location for 13 years, the founder has said his bakery’s lease is not being renewed. Founder Matthew Jones has said he intends to fight to keep the Borough location Credit: Bread Ahead Matthew Jones, the founder of Bread Ahead has said the company’s future in London’s Borough Market is uncertain. Matthew claimed he had been told the company’s international expansion meant it could no longer remain at the site. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! He intends to fight the decision and said closing the site would result in 83 job losses in the city. He said: “There is no way that I am rolling over. I’m invested in this, I have given my absolute life to this for 14 years and I have always paid rent on time. “I am a brilliant tenant. I thought being successful was something that we celebrated? “It’s unbelievable… it will mean the loss of 83 jobs in London, the loss of a business there. It is incomprehensible, the stress that I am under right now.” The success at the Borough location led to wider expansion across London, opening its first permanent bakery on the nearby Cathedral Street. The company later established a baking school at the location and expanded elsewhere in the city, including King’s Cross, Leicester Square, Wembley and Bromley. Most read in Money The UK success also allowed the company to open bakeries internationally, with outlets in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the Philippines, with a New York opening planned for later this year. Despite this impressive growth, Matthew has also argued that the company has remained faithful to its roots. He added: “We haven’t been bought by a multinational. We haven’t become a faceless chain. We are still founder-led. A Borough Market spokesman spoke to the Sun and said: “Our relationships with traders are really important to us, whether they’re actively trading or as part of our alumni of success stories. No matter how long businesses are with us for, we value their contribution to making Borough Market what it is. “As a responsible landlord, our decisions around lease renewals are made through a formal process and communicated to the trader well in advance of the expiry date. “We continue to be in contact with the Bread Ahead team about their future at the market, but as discussions relating to individual tenancies are confidential it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of this case. “Our approach is to apply these processes fairly and consistently, while ensuring Borough Market continues to evolve and thrive as one of London’s leading food destinations where independent businesses can thrive.” Comment now