Bakery chain you’ve never heard of that’s ‘better than Greggs’ and part owned by comedy star

THERE'S a bakery chain you've likely never heard of branded "better than Greggs" and part-owned by a major comedy star.

Coughlans Bakery was founded in Thornton Heath, south London, in 1937.

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Since its inception almost 90 years ago, the chain has grown to 31 branches across the south-east of England.

You can find your nearest on the "Our Shops" page on its website.

The family-run business is in its 3rd generation of bakers, with staff still making bread based on founder Jack Coughlan's recipes.

The bakery chain is also known for its event platters, cup cakes and extensive vegan range.

Despite its humble origins, Coughlans has grown to become a shopper favourite, with many branding it better than giant Greggs.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, one baked good lover recently posted saying the bakery chain's sausage roll "s**ts all over Greggs".

Another commented: "Greggs sausage rolls >>>> Coughlans sausage rolls."

And a third added: "Finally had a Coughlans Bakery sausage roll and they are definitely better than Greggs."

Last year, actor, comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan, also confirmed he had partnered with Coughlan's.

The 46-year-old, who lives in West Sussex, announced the news in an Instagram post, saying he was "delighted" to become part of the firm.

He added: "I'm the most excited about this announcement because there is something that I've wanted to get involve with for a long, long time and it is...Coughlan's Bakery.

Talking alongside current owner Sean Coughlan in the short clip, Ranganathan joked: "I'm gonna be doing more baking, he's going to be doing more stand up comedy.

"I'm gonna be working in the shops. We're gonna be doing gigs. It's gonna be amazing.

"I've loved Coughlans for ages so to be part of the family I'm very very excited. This is like the partnership of the century."

While shoppers have branded Coughlans better than Greggs, you will have to stump up more for its menu items.

The chain's small sausage roll costs £2.05 while Greggs' is £1.65.

Meanwhile, its tuna mayo salad baguette costs £5.90 while at Greggs the same is priced £4.35.

A 500ml bottle of Oasis Summer Fruits will set you back £2.70 at Coughlans but £2.20 at Greggs.

Ways to save on baked goods

If you're not based in the south-east of England there are plenty of ways to save money on your next batch of baked goods, starting with food surplus apps.

Two of the biggest ones are Too Good to Go and Olio which can both be downloaded for free.

The apps work slightly differently, but in essence redistribute food restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets or households don't want on the cheap.

The Too Good to Go app lets you rescue end-of-day food from many popular cafes, restaurants, shops and supermarkets that would otherwise go in the bin.

The food isn't completely free, but you do get bundles of food, including bakery items, at massively discounted prices.

One shopper recently revealed how they got over £30 worth of food for just £2.

The app didn't used to include a delivery service, but has since November.

Olio works similarly, except you can get food for free and collect it from residents in your local area.

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