Particle.news
Download on the App Store

John Whaite to Shut Ruff Puff Bakehouse, Final Day Set for Jan. 25

The GBBO winner says the bricks-and-mortar model proved unsustainable, with a return to online brownies planned for autumn.

Overview

  • Ruff Puff Bakehouse at Cedar Farm in Ormskirk will close permanently after trading through Sunday, January 25, 2026.
  • Whaite and partner Paul Atkins cited a relentless workload, tight margins and a heavy emotional toll in their announcement.
  • A recent incident in which Whaite was knocked over by a car prompted a reassessment that he said brought priorities into sharp focus.
  • Whaite plans to step back to rest and recover before relaunching Ruff Puff Brownies online in autumn 2026.
  • The owners thanked customers and the Baillie/Bailie family at Cedar Farm and said the relaunch will focus on shipping brownies across the UK.