01/07/2026
Thank you, Coughlans. 💔
Thank you for the iced ring doughnuts and cokes on the way home from school in the 90s. Losing the Coughlans name from the High Street somehow hits different. Just look at that iconic high street and all the names we've loved and lost. I grew up walking that high street almost every day... Pollards, Woolworths, Coughlans, Abbey National.
Sadly, this closure is another reminder of just how difficult hospitality and retail have become.
We're being hit from EVERY direction. The cost of ingredients keeps rising every week. Energy, wages, rent, insurance and supplier costs continue to climb and all our suppliers are adding even more in fuel surcharges due to the ongoing conflict. Footfall is more and more unpredictable as customers are understandably forced to make more choices over their spending.
Independent businesses are working harder for smaller margins than ever before. So, if there's one thing I'd ask, it's this, if you have a favourite independent café, bakery, restaurant or shop, please don't assume they'll always be there. Visit them. Tell your friends about them. Leave them a review. Tag them online. Buy a coffee, a cake or a sandwich 💙
*written by a person, not using AI
