A popular bakery which has stood proud in Oldham for almost 160 years, withstanding recessions, two world wars and a pandemic, has announced it will close its doors for good before Christmas.

Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery has been passed down and run in the same family for six generations.

The bakery, which is considered Greater Manchester's oldest family-run craft bakery, was established in 1864 and ran under the name Hollinsworth before it changed to Robinsons Artistan Family Bakery and relocated to Failsworth in 1968.

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Despite its rich history, which includes weathering the storm of two world wars, two recessions, a great depression, the pandemic, and "multiple supermarket and fast food chains opening closer and closer", the Robinsons have said that "the struggles of 2023 have proved to just be too much".

David Robinson and his family made the tough decision to put the shop up for sale in July this year.

The move to sell has come less than a year after the family voiced concerns about whether it would survive the cost-of-living crisis.

At one point, they were quoted an eyewatering £72,000 energy bill - a significant jump from its previous £18,000 annual bill.

David's daughter, Grace, who also works at the bakery, has now confirmed the decision to sell was due to the "overwhelming" economic crisis "and the ever-increasing cost of energy, utilities and never-ending spiralling cost of ingredients".

However, Grace said they have been unable to sell the business and now have been forced to make the "very difficult decision" to close the doors permanently on December 16 this year.

Grace continued: "I feel extremely grateful to have had the past 23 years' experience being taught to be a bakery and a business owner by my granddad, Arthur, and my dad David.

"As a kid it was all I ever wanted to do, and to this day I still love being a baker.

"It really is my passion."

Grace said the family are "thoroughly thankful" to their team of staff "who have helped to make our bakery shop what it has grown to be".

She added: "I wish them all success in their journeys going forward."

The bakery said it will keep its shelves stocked for its loyal customers until the final day and extended its thanks to Oldhamers who have supported the shop and helped it to overcome its "obstacles" over the decades.

Grace continued: "The greatest of thanks goes to my parents who finally get to retire.

"I think they have stuck around for so long because my sister Emma and I were so passionate for our family business to survive and thrive.

"We almost made it to 160 years." 

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