The Rye Bakery shop in the High Street, better known to the locals perhaps as Poppy’s, closed last Saturday October 29. By Sunday afternoon, all the stock and shop fittings had been completely cleared out. With no prior warning, this came as a complete surprise to customers and apparently to some of the staff as well. On Monday morning a “To Let” notice was on display inside the shop window, but by Tuesday it had gone. Estate agents Phillips and Stubbs had received a firm offer, reportedly from another business engaged in household furniture and furnishings.
Glen Croucher, owner of the business, explained that the lease term had expired and the rental terms quoted for renewal were way beyond what he could afford. With rent and rates combined, he said, a new tenant would have to find £30,000 each year before earning a penny. He did not blame the landlord, (recorded at the Land Registry as Mrs Denny, whose family had run Penny Royal in the High Street for many years). “It’s just a matter of what the property market can command”, he said, “I should have faced up to it earlier, but somehow, I never thought it would happen. The staff have been brilliant – we’ve kept one on in the business and two others have immediately found jobs in other local retail establishments”.
Immediately across the road from Rye Bakery is the former Long’s bread-shop where Mr Croucher intends to re-open and resume business in March next year, following refurbishment. The premises are not large enough however to provide a café. It was there that he started in 1975 learning the business under a Mr Turner of Long’s but few today will remember that name. Rye Bakery also owns shops in Hastings and Hawkhurst and has a modern production base on Rye Industrial Estate, Rye Harbour Road. Regular customers would be welcome to pre-order and collect their bread from there, said Mr Croucher. The firm’s quality products could also be bought at the Rye Harbour village shop, the Little Shop in Winchelsea and the Iden village store, he said.
Photo: Kenneth Bird
Rye Bakery’s production base is NOT on the Rye Industrial Estate, but at Atlas Industrial Park, on the same side of Harbour Road but slightly further down towards Rye Harbour – look for the ‘globes’ on the entrance gates.
Very sudden and no explanation notice on the door so customers were left standing wondering what to do next. Sad loss to the social and business life of Rye and no way to treat loyal staff.
I am very pleased to hear that the bakery will be reopening.
Can anyone enlighten me as to why it is known as Poppies locally?
As the landlord of the shop at 23 High Street, known as Poppy’s, I would like to put the position straight.
The current lease came to an end on October 31st and Mr Croucher indicated some time ago that he did not wish to renew it. The matter of rent was not raised by either party.
As a former resident of Rye I too am sorry to see it close as it was a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike.
I reiterate that this was a decision taken solely by Mr Croucher and no rise in rent was suggested by me.