If you’ve ever wandered down West Borough in Wimborne or Lower Blandford Road in Broadstone, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from Bennetts Family Bakers was almost impossible to resist.
For decades, this humble bakery chain was more than just a place to pick up a loaf or a sausage roll it was part of daily life. For many in Dorset, Bennetts was woven into the fabric of their community. That’s why the announcement in mid-2025 about its permanent closure came as such a shock and a heartbreak.
Founded in 1951 by Claude Bennett after he moved from Devon to Poole, Bennetts Family Bakers went on to serve multiple generations. With shops in Broadstone, Parkstone, Winton, Southbourne, Westbourne, and Wimborne, it built its reputation on traditional craft baking, family values, and an unshakeable commitment to the people it served.
The closures mark the end of a 74-year legacy, and many are still coming to terms with the news. In a small town like Wimborne, one long-time customer shared, “It’s very sad because it’s one of the longest-running shops in Wimborne. It feels like losing a part of our history.”
Why Did Bennetts Family Bakers Close in 2025?
While many assumed that the closure of a small bakery chain would be tied to the broader economic pressures facing the UK’s high streets, the reasons behind the bennetts family bakers closure were much more personal.
In July 2025, a formal announcement was shared across stores and on the bakery’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. It stated that all Bennetts locations would close, citing the declining health of owners David and Margaret Bennett and the absence of a successor to carry the family business forward.
David Bennett, the company’s director and grandson of the founder, later confirmed in a local interview:
“We’ve tried to keep it going for as long as we could. But with my mother’s health deteriorating and no one available to take over, we were left with no other option.”
The strain of managing daily operations while balancing personal caregiving responsibilities had become overwhelming. David added, “I’m currently looking after my elderly mother, who’s quite unwell. Running the shops on top of that, it’s just too much.”
It was not only a matter of staffing or profitability; it was the culmination of personal, emotional, and generational transitions that brought about the closure.
Which Locations Were Closed and When?
Though the formal announcement came in July 2025, the closure of Bennetts stores happened in stages throughout the year. Each closure was met with public concern and expressions of gratitude for decades of service.
Here’s a summary of the timeline and locations affected:
| Branch | Location | Closure Date | Remarks |
| Westbourne | Poole | February 2025 | First branch to close, early signs of challenges |
| Wimborne | West Borough | 29 March 2025 | One of the oldest locations, deeply missed locally |
| Broadstone | Lower Blandford Road | 14 June 2025 | Closure notice mentioned family illness, shortages |
| Remaining Locations | Winton, Parkstone, Southbourne | July 2025 | Final closures following the public announcement |
Some stores had signs posted on their doors to explain the reason, stating:
“We regret to inform our loyal customers that due to staff shortages and illness in the family, we are closing permanently.”
Who Were the People Behind the Bakery?
At the heart of Bennetts Family Bakers was the Bennett family, devoted, hard-working, and committed to carrying on Claude Bennett’s legacy.
Claude, who founded the business in 1951, passed it on to his descendants, with David Bennett taking over operations as Director. His wife, Margaret Rose Bennett, was also actively involved for decades before stepping down in August 2025 due to health concerns. Other family members, such as Anthony Bennett and Mark James Bennett, held directorial roles in the past but eventually resigned or retired from their posts.
The registered office of the business was at 14 Britannia Road, Parkstone, Poole, a quiet Dorset address that held the administrative roots of a once-thriving family bakery.
As of the final closure, the business remained a Private Limited Company, still technically active, but with no retail locations operating.
What Challenges Did the Bakery Face Before Closing?
The bennetts family bakers closure was not sudden. While the tipping point was clearly personal, a range of operational challenges had already placed the business under significant stress.
Chief among these was the ongoing struggle with staffing shortages. Like many food and service businesses in the UK, Bennetts found it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain skilled workers, particularly in an industry that demands early hours, physical labour, and high consistency.
Compounding this issue were broader economic pressures:
- Increased cost of flour, dairy, and energy
- Reduced footfall in high streets as shopping habits changed
- Difficulties adapting to modern digital retail models
David Bennett also faced emotional and practical strain from being both the business owner and a full-time carer for his unwell mother. In such circumstances, even the most dedicated business owner would struggle to keep the doors open.
How Did the Dorset Community React to the Closure?
Across Dorset, the reaction to the closure was deeply emotional. Customers who had grown up with Bennetts or introduced their children to its bakes felt a sense of personal loss.
In Broadstone, one customer said, “I’ve been buying my Friday pasties here for 30 years. It’s not just a shop, it’s a tradition.” Another shopper in Parkstone told the local press, “They knew my order, asked about my kids, and always had a smile. You don’t get that in a supermarket.”
Social media saw an outpouring of gratitude and sadness. Some users posted old photos of the stores or their favourite baked goods. Others simply thanked the family for their hard work over the decades.
The closure was also felt by nearby businesses, as Bennetts often brought consistent footfall to local high streets. Its absence left not only a gap in choice for customers but also a reduction in the overall vibrancy of town centres like Wimborne and Broadstone.
Is the Closure Part of a Larger Trend in the UK?
Bennetts Family Bakers’ story is not unique, though it is certainly one of the more heartfelt examples. Across the UK, traditional bakeries, especially those that are family-run, are closing due to similar pressures.
Independent Bakery Closures in the UK (2022–2025)
| Bakery Name | Location | Year Closed | Reason |
| Bennetts Family Bakers | Dorset | 2025 | Retirement, illness, staffing issues |
| Clarksons Bakery | Manchester | 2023 | Cost increases, supply chain problems |
| Thomsons Bakeshop | Bristol | 2024 | Low footfall, competition from chains |
| Rose’s Artisan Breads | Leeds | 2025 | Inflation and staffing shortages |
For many bakery businesses, even loyal customer bases are not enough to offset rising operational costs and outdated business models. Without digital adaptation or succession planning, survival becomes nearly impossible.
What Will Happen to the Bennetts Family Now?
At this time, Bennetts Bakery had no public plans to reopen or relaunch Bennetts in any form. The family has not indicated any interest in moving to online sales, publishing recipes, or franchising the brand.
David Bennett appears to be focusing entirely on family care and his own health following a very demanding year. However, some local residents have called for a tribute either through a community event or a commemorative installation to honour the bakery’s legacy.
Though the shops are closed, the memories and impact of Bennetts Family Bakers endure. Many hope the story will inspire future generations to value and support their local businesses while they’re still here.
FAQs
When did Bennetts Family Bakers begin trading?
Bennetts Family Bakers was founded in 1951 by Claude Bennett after moving from Devon to Dorset.
Why did all the stores close in 2025?
The closures were due to a combination of factors including the owners’ health, staff shortages, and no successors to take over the business.
Which branches closed and when?
Branches closed throughout 2025. Westbourne in February, Wimborne in March, Broadstone in June, and all others by July.
Was the business struggling financially before closing?
While not officially declared insolvent, the business faced viability issues from rising costs and staffing difficulties.
Did the owners comment on the decision?
Yes, David Bennett thanked customers in a public note and explained the personal and operational reasons behind the closure.
How did the community respond?
There was an outpouring of support and sadness, with many sharing memories and calling the closure the end of an era.
Is there any chance the bakery might return in another form?
Currently, there are no plans for revival or online operations. The closure appears to be permanent.
