A HISTORIC British bakery chain has closed one of its most popular locations, leaving customers gutted.
With over 60 shops, the family-owned company has been a household name since it first opened in 1919.
Birds Bakery has left locals shocked after the abrupt closure of its shop on Derby Road, Stapleford over the weekend.
The family-run East Midlands chain officially shut the town centre location on Saturday, March 14.
Known for its loaves, cobs, pork pies, sausage rolls, and fresh cream cakes, the bakery had been a long-standing staple for the area.
Larry’s Bar, a neighbouring business on Derby Road, described the shop as “legendary” in a Facebook post.
The pub went on to call the bakery “a much established local business that will be sadly missed by all the regular customers”.
Some locals pointed out that the losee of a nearby car park to a recent development had made it difficult for elderly and disabled customers to get to the shop.
A spokesperson for Birds told the Nottingham Post: “This has been a difficult decision and not one that has been taken lightly.
“The area has experienced a significant decline in trade in recent years, reflecting the wider challenges facing high streets across the country and we have had to carefully consider what is sustainable for the future.
“We regularly review our locations so we can adapt to changing customer needs and ensure the long-term strength for the business.
“We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone who has worked at the Stapleford store, past and present.”
The Derby-based bakery operated dozens of shops, with most located in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
A recent rebranding of the bakery has seen the burgundy colour scheme changed to pale green as well as the modernising of the interior.
