A Greater Manchester bakery has shared a candid update about the challenges of running a business in the current financial climate with hospitality businesses under huge pressure.
Long Boi's Bakehouse, which was credited with bringing "new life" to Levenshulme in The Good Food Guide's Britain's Best Bakeries 2025 list just last month, took to social media to explain the reason behind their recent price increases.
The bakery revealed that the cost of ingredients has skyrocketed over the past five years, with chocolate prices rising by 232% and cheese by 255%. In a post on Instagram, the team wrote: "A few of the eagle eyed amongst you might've noticed that we upped all our prices in the bakery as of Tuesday, and just wanted to do a little post to a) publicly acknowledge that (don't want you all to think we're being sneaky) and b) explain why.
"Tbh I don't think it'll be news to any of you that the cost of everything has gone WILD, but I thought I'd write up some actual examples of changes in ingredient prices since we opened - swipe for quite frankly a depressing AF read.
"I actually can't believe chocolate was ever that cheap, what a time to be alive! ! !
"Basically, combine this with soaring energy prices, wanting to use only the best stuff in our bakes and making sure nine lovely staff are paid above Living Wage as standard (maybe the most important bit! ) - means that raising our prices slightly was the only way to keep on top of this balancing act.
"Really hope you can all understand! Running a business is hella crazy right now, big love to all our fellow independents going through it."
On the second slide of the social media post, reports , the team revealed some of the stats behind running the bakery. For example, 10kg of butter has gone up from £39 in 2020 to £86.95 in 2025.
As well as the steep dark chocolate increase of 232 percent and cheddar cheese skyrocketing from £17.08 for 6kg in 2020 to £60.48 this year, they shared how 16kg of strong flour was costing them £10.20 and is now £25.60, a 151 per cent increase.
The neighbourhood bakery took over a disused site back in late 2020 and was brought to life by Pollen bakery alumnus Jenny Oakenfull. Manchester's Pollen was also named on The Good Food Guide list.
Run by a team of solely women, the team at Long Boi's Bakehouse are dedicated to making food that is 'delicious, fun, interesting and exciting'.
Ingredients are sourced from Organic North and R Noone and Son, while their flour comes from Wildfarmed who believe in the power of regenerative farming.
Customers and bakers show their support
Patrons and fellow bakers commented on the post to show their appreciation for the bakery's candidness about its economic challenges.
One customer commented: "Thanks for sharing. Wild how small businesses have to announce and justify increases but Sainsbury's et al never do so."
Another said: "Never seen trading conditions like this. Been baking for 18 years and in hospitality for 30. The latest NI contributions are the final nail."
A fellow Sheffield bakery said: "We actually thought we were going mad when I said butter used to be under £40 - I had to check our old price lists to make sure I in fact wasn't going bonkers.
"Hard to imagine how we've even come through these last 5 years. Lots of flat whites.
"Love the transparency. The info in black and white really hits home even for those of us that are paying it too!".
A supportive client shared an encouraging message: "Amazing transparency Jenny. I would keep coming even if you put up a million percent."
And another customer praised the establishment: "You gals are amazing and the bakes are, without doubt, the best anywhere."
