The reasons why Marshalls Bakery stores closed in Bradford

Marshall Bakers, which had stores in Wyke, Wibsey, Queensbury, and Great Horton, was forced to shut its doors on Friday. 

The popular bakery had struggled to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic amid rising inflation, energy bills, and food costs.

The cost of flour, packaging and bills had doubled across all of its stores. 

Every shop run by Marshall Bakers had reportedly recorded losses for the first time in its history. 

In a statement on behalf of the family, Diana Marshall thanked their “hard working staff and lovely, loyal customers”. 

Outside Marshalls Bakers, stores in Wyke, Queensbury, and Great Horton are pictured above (Image: Google Maps)

Statement in full

Mrs Marshall said: “Last Friday was a really devastating day. After 43 years, Marshall Bakers closed its doors for good.
“We would like to thank all our hard working staff and our lovely, loyal customers who have supported us over the years. 

“Since Covid we have really struggled to make it work. Despite several restructures to remain profitable, unfortunately rampant inflation on ingredient cost and energy prices simply made it impossible to continue. Flour and packaging for example doubled in price. 

“Even though the government capped energy prices, it still left our bills at double. This made the shops at all locations loss making for the first time 42 years. We even spoke to our local MP to raise awareness of the issue at central government.

Where the magic happened: Bert and Christine Marshall in one of Marshall Bakers' kitchens (Image: UGC)

“Please know we tried everything to stop this from happening. 

“Thank you all. The Marshall family.”

Marshall Bakers began its story when Bert and Christine Marshall decided to open a bakery on Pasture Lane in Clayton. 

By the early 90s, the bakers needed more space. The Marshalls bought their Great Horton shop in October 1993 and, following hefty renovations, it opened two months later. 

The Craftsman Two in Wibsey - before it became Marshall Bakers (Image: UGC)

The bakery was fully moved into the back of Great Horton shop by spring 1994 and it stayed that way for 16 years. 

By then, the bakery's success saw them move to Royds Enterprise park.

The company also opened up Marshalls Bakers in Queensbury, where the third generation of Marshalls' bakers grew up, as well as a co-owned store in Wibsey with another baker.

It became known as 'The Craftsman Two'. In 2001, the Marshalls were sold their partner's shares to officially become Marshall Bakers. It later moved further up the high street. 

Bert's moment in the spotlight (Image: UGC)

Master baker Bert, who previously worked as a lorry driver, was awarded the title of Yorkshire's Baker's Baker in 1989's Challenge Cup run by the region's Master Bakers' Association.

The original owners passed their talents onto Philip Marshall, who took over with his wife Diana and daughter Holly.

The family continued to use recipes handed down from Bert and Christine - including the guide to their famous vanilla slices and pasties - until the day of its closure.