'A loss to the town centre': Gunns Bakery closes for good this Saturday

The Hitchin Street business – famous for baking Bedfordshire clangers – will close its doors for good on Saturday (August 8).

The business was founded in 1928 and still has a shop in Market Square, Sandy – and is looking ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2028.

Biggleswade mayor councillor Jonathan Woodhead told the Chronicle: "It is going to be a loss to the town centre, because it's been an established business here for 45 years.

"In particular, when there's been a big event – VE Day, the Jubilee, the Coronation, they did always decorate their windows with a theme – and that will be missed. They would make themed biscuits, too – poppies for remembrance and things like that. That was really nice.

"To David Gunns and team, thank you for over 45 years' worth of business in Biggleswade, and I wish Gunns all the best for its 100th anniversary."

While the Sandy shop is still going strong, its Bedford branch closed in 2023.

Owner David Gunns has posted signs on the door of his Bigglewade shop to explain his "utmost regret’ at the decision, and thank customers.

It reads: "We are truly sorry for any inconvenience and distress this may cause any of our extremely loyal, and often, long standing customers.

"Your custom over so many years, and in some cases over the 45 years we have been here will always be treasured any never forgotten.

"We really are very sorry.

"As Gunns enters its 98th year in Sandy, it is particularly sad to finish in Biggleswade but unfortunately it has become uneconomic to continue here with costs, including delivery, constantly rising.

"We are indebted to all our staff who have given the most wonderful service over the years, most recently, our Saturday and often covering young lady, Belle, and of course, none moreso that Sue – known in the town to so many and always keen to 'go the extra mile' to accommodate her customers.

"We thank you both.”

Customers with orders already placed for collection after August 8 will be contacted and arrangements made for delivery.

Customers with ongoing specific requests for large orders, celebration cakes, buffets, or similar can text 07920 055 990 or email [email protected].

The website at gunns-bakery.co.uk is undergoing a revamp, but is due to be back online soon.

Meanwhile, the mayor still believes that there could be a future – and demand – for a bakery in the town centre again one day.

He said: "The town centre is changing – it is becoming a services and experiences destination, experiences you can't get elsewhere.

"But I still think there's a market for a bakery in the town centre. There's still room for special independent traders, and most importantly, local residents must support them."

David Gunns was contacted for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication.