A beloved UK bakery chain that has been in business for 109 years has made the difficult decision to close all eight of its stores. The business blamed dramatic cost increases for labour, ingredients and general operations for the move, and announced the closures with "heavy hearts" in a post on social media.

The very first Routledge shop was opened as a bakery on Brook Street, Carlisle, during 1917 by the Routledge family, and eventually expanded across the historic UK city. It became known for its wide range of baked goods, including pastries, bread, cakes and filled rolls.

The business announced the closures in a Facebook post on Monday morning, and received an outpouring of support from fans. Explaining the decision, bosses of the family-run chain said they were not willing to face another year of uncertainty and crippling costs, such as increased business rates and energy costs. Its website is still live, but there are no products listed.

The statement reads: "This is not something we ever thought we would have to write. Since the end of 2024, we have faced relentless increases in our operational and ingredient costs.

"Alongside this, minimum wage increases, business rate increases and the reality of further energy price rises when we renew our contracts in the coming months means 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."

Routeledges operated bakeries in the following locations in Carlisle:

Routeledges also said in the statement that 2025 was "one of the toughest years we have ever endured".

It is one of several high street businesses that have made the difficult decision to close as a result of increased costs. Recently, another UK bakery chain decided to shut one of its stores for similar reasons.

Birds Bakery, which has over 60 locations, recently announced the closure of its shop on Derby Road, Stapleford. It comes after UKHospitality warned earlier this year that close to 1,000 restaurants could close as a result of significant rising costs.