British bakery Bread Ahead 'banned from Borough Market for being too successful'

Taking to social media to vent his frustration after the bakery was given marching orders by the market, which is a registered charity, founder Matthew Jones claimed the 'devastating' decision will culminate in the loss of 83 jobs.

The bakery, famed for its fluffy sourdough loaves and creme-filled doughnuts, moved into the central London location

But now the bakery has been told to "wind down operations" by the market after it announced its set to open new franchises in New York, alongside outlets in the Middle East and Asia.

"Borough Market has informed us that Bread Ahead has to leave the estate," Mr Jones told followers on Instagram.

"The reason the charity gave us is that we've been too successful because we're franchised internationally."

Read more: Sir Richard Branson urges John Healey to 'give young entrepreneurs a break' ahead of his first budget

Read more: More night buses and police needed to boost capital’s nightlife, according to Westminster Council

"Now, I don't understand this," he continues. "I thought being successful was the whole reason for opening a business in the first place?"

Alongside Borough Market, the bakery's UK locations include Wembley and Leicester Square, with a new franchise set to open imminently in Harpenden.

Explaining his route into baking, Mr Jones said: "I left the school at 15, worked as a chef for 30 years.... I built a business from nothing.

"I've never borrowed a penny in my life. I'm bootstrapped to this business," he told his followers.

"It's unbelievable," he continued. "The devastating effect, if they pull this through, it would mean the loss of 83 jobs in London. It would mean the loss of a business there.

"It's incomprehensible. The stress that I'm under right now; my god. I'm waiting for a response - we've had a bit of legal back and forth. But goodness me."

Describing how he was left confused by the decision, Mr Jones questioned: "What's happening in the UK? Who in God's name would (want) to shut down a wonderful, thriving part of a local and international community?'

It comes amid a renewed push by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rejuvenate Britain's high streets.

Attempting to ease the tax burden through a series of VAT cuts, it's the latest move by the government to encourage independent businesses amid a cost of living crisis.

In response, Borough Market told LBC: "Our relationships with traders are really important to us, whether they're actively trading or as part of our alumni of success stories. No matter how long businesses are with us for, we value their contribution to making Borough Market what it is.

"As a responsible landlord, our decisions around lease renewals are made through a formal process and communicated to the trader well in advance of the expiry date. We continue to be in contact with the Bread Ahead team about their future at the market, but as discussions relating to individual tenancies are confidential it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of this case.

"Our approach is to apply these processes fairly and consistently, while ensuring Borough Market continues to evolve and thrive as one of London’s leading food destinations where independent businesses can thrive."