Routledges the Bakers, a bakery chain that has been operating for nearly 109 years, has closed all of its branches across Carlisle after collapsing into liquidation. The company, which first opened its doors in 1917, cited increases in staff wages, ingredients, and energy prices as making the business unsustainable.
Before the closure, the business was tackling a nearly £779,000 financial shortfall, according to documents filed through liquidators Begbies Traynor. In a statement on Facebook, Routledges wrote: “Our operational costs alone will be over £80,000 higher than in 2025. At the same time, we have seen a continued decline in high street footfall. So, with incredibly heavy hearts, we have made the decision not to face another year of rising costs and uncertainty. Routledges has now closed for good after 109 years.”
On April 13, the company was voluntarily wound up, and liquidators were appointed. One customer reacted to the news, stating: “The business should have streamlined years ago as eight small bakeries in modern times is unsustainable. People have changed their eating habits.”
