In a plot twist that would make even the most cynical screenwriter blush, the bakery empire once partially owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan is getting a second shot at life - just without the punchlines. Coughlans Bakery, which shuttered its shops in June citing the usual suspects (high business rates and increased national insurance contributions), has sold a chunk of its estate to Gloucestershire-based Janes Pantry. The new owner plans to reopen 20 locations under its own brand, and - in a move that might restore your faith in capitalism - former Coughlans staff will be invited to reapply for their old jobs.

Janes Pantry, which has been kneading dough since 1971 and currently runs 12 shops, says every reopened shop means 'jobs restored, a unit back in use and footfall returning to the high street.' A lovely sentiment, though one might note that 'footfall returning' is a fancy way of saying 'people walking past a shop that isn't boarded up.' Other Coughlans sites remain in limbo, subject to 'further discussions,' which is corporate-speak for 'we're still figuring out if we can afford the rent.'

Ranganathan, a Crawley-born vegan who got involved because of the chain's plant-based offerings, won't be part of the revival. He previously expressed being 'gutted' by the closure - a sentiment likely shared by anyone who ever enjoyed a vegan sausage roll. The former managing director, Sean Coughlan, had blamed the tax changes for 'absolutely smashing local business,' while Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell defended the hikes as necessary to 'spend more and invest in our public services.' Because nothing says 'supporting local businesses' like making it harder for them to stay open.

So, as Janes Pantry prepares to rise from the ashes of Coughlans, one can only hope the new shops retain that comedic flair - even if the comedian himself has left the building.