Supermarket giant Morrisons has confirmed it will shut down the historic Rathbones Bakery in Wakefield, putting 115 jobs at immediate risk and ending the 100-year-old brand's presence on its shelves.
A Century-Old Brand Disappears
The decision marks the final chapter for the bakery, which was founded in 1893. Morrisons saved Rathbones from administration in 2005, but the site has struggled to become financially sustainable. This is the second time in two years the facility has faced the axe; it was on the brink of closure in November 2024 before a restructure kept it open on a reduced scale.
That earlier restructuring, 13 months ago, led to 270 job losses through voluntary redundancy. The bakery subsequently shifted its focus from producing standard sliced white bread to specialist items like pittas, crumpets, pancakes, and rolls.
The Financial Struggle Behind the Closure
Despite reporting a profit in the year to October 2024—reversing a £2.2 million loss—the business continued to operate at an overall loss. Morrisons stated that it took "tremendous" effort to grow the site. The supermarket's manufacturing arm, Myton Foods, which runs the bakery, also suffered a setback after losing a key third-party contract last year.
A spokesperson for Morrisons told trade publication The Grocer: ‘Regrettably, having thoroughly reviewed all alternatives, we can no longer see a way back to breakeven and have taken the difficult decision to close the remaining facility.’ The company had previously expected the bakery to break even by 2027.
What Happens Next for Staff and the Site?
The company has stated it is committed to supporting affected staff, including trying to find them alternative roles within the wider Myton Group. For shoppers, Morrisons’ in-store bakeries will not be impacted by this closure.
The future of the 28,000 sq ft Wakefield site is now uncertain. Morrisons will explore options to either sell or repurpose the facility. The closure is part of a wider trend of challenges on the UK high street, with several major brands announcing store shutdowns or moves online in early 2026.
