Clapham chapter comes to an end for The Old Post Office Bakery owners

London's oldest organic bakery is up for sale as its long-standing owners call it a day on the dough.

The Old Post Office Bakery on Landor Road has been a lynchpin of the community since 1982 when founder Karl Heinz Rossbach, while squatting in a former post office off Acre Lane, began using an old bathtub as a mixing bowl to produce artisan sourdough loaves.

At 76 Landor Road off Clapham High Street, Karl with the bakery's current owners, John Dungavel and Richard Scroggs, hold faithfully to its proper artisan ethos, using centuries old techniques to sell truly handcrafted products at reasonable prices – without the mystification and elitism attached to so much of the artisan food scene.

Forty years on, John and Richard addressed their customers on Monday (January 31) about their decision to sell The Old Post Office Bakery.

They said: "This has been a very difficult and sad decision for us. Many thanks for all your support over so many years."

"We are happy to help a new owner transition. The bakery shop has a very healthy turnover and footfall. We have been profitable and established for 40 years – we are the oldest organic bakery in London."

There has been an outpouring of messages from customers responding to news of the pair's departure from The Old Post Office Bakery.

"This is very sad news. Fingers crossed whoever buys it will keep it going with the same standards," wrote one.

"My heart is breaking. You were my favourite bakery in London and I am yet to find the bread as delicious as yours," wrote another, adding: "All the best in the future. I will definitely miss you."

John and Richard, who own the freehold, said they are looking to sell the fully equipped bakery site near Clapham North Tube Station SW9, including the shop, two floors of production areas, a private roadway behind, two Tom Chandley ovens, a walk-in freezer and cold room, mixers, benches, racks and the business itself – all as one package.

Their announcement directed interested parties to contact Richard at [email protected] with their enquiries.

Thank you to John and Richard. You will be sorely missed at The Old Post Office Bakery but we wish you every luck for all that comes next.

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