Key facts
- Bread Ahead bakery claims it must leave Borough Market because it is 'too successful'.
- The bakery's lease at Borough Market will not be renewed.
- Bread Ahead founder Matthew Jones believes the business's global expansion is the reason for the non-renewal.
- Borough Market stated its lease renewal process is applied fairly and consistently to ensure independent businesses can thrive.
- Bread Ahead has 12 franchised stores in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Jones plans to open a new flagship bakery in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Bread Ahead bakery is reportedly being forced to leave its stall at London's Borough Market because it has become 'too successful' and expanded globally. Founder Matthew Jones stated that the market's charitable trust will not renew the lease, a decision he believes punishes the business for its growth.
Jones, who started Bread Ahead as a small market stall 13 years ago, said he was never made aware that the global expansion was an issue until it became a problem. The bakery has since grown to include multiple international sites, with 12 franchised stores in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and a new bakery set to open in New York. Jones expressed dismay at the decision, citing the impact on the business's 83 jobs and the local community.
A spokesperson for Borough Market stated that lease renewal decisions are made through a formal process applied fairly and consistently to ensure the market remains a place where independent businesses can thrive. The market values the contribution of all businesses, whether actively trading or alumni of success stories. The trust also noted that details of lease agreements are confidential.
Jones plans to open a new flagship bakery in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and introduce a new owner-operated business model to support independent bakers.