Burns the Bread, a cherished Somerset bakery, has announced the end of an era by discontinuing its classic iced buns after 43 years. Once a firm favorite across the nation, these soft rolls topped with smooth white icing have been a nostalgic staple for generations. However, declining demand has led the bakery to retire the sweet treat, marking a poignant moment for many customers.
The bakery’s manager, Casey Stoddart, revealed that a decade ago, the bakery sold approximately 400 iced buns daily. Today, that number has dwindled to just 50 across all six of their locations, including shops in Glastonbury, Street, Wells, Somerton, and Castle Cary. “People’s tastes have changed; they are much more sophisticated now,” Stoddart explained. “We need to cater to what most people want.”
The decision became clear when few customers noticed the iced buns’ absence during National Doughnut Week, signaling a shift in consumer preferences. Burns the Bread shared their farewell online, stating: “So, with heavy hearts (and slightly sticky fingers), we lay the Iced Bun to rest.”
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The announcement has touched a nerve among fans, many of whom expressed sadness and fond memories of the treat. One customer lamented, “That’s a shame, I love them,” while another noted, “No! They have been my eight-year-old’s favourite for years.” Conversely, some admitted iced buns were never their personal favourite, with one joking, “It’s just a hot dog bun with icing on top.”
The iced bun is fading as a bakery classic. In 2017, Greggs also quietly removed the treat, provoking outcry from enthusiasts. Despite its waning popularity, the iced bun remains an iconic part of British culinary history, dating back to the mid-19th century and flourishing in post-war Britain during the 1950s.
Celebrity baker Paul Hollywood has famously recalled his childhood love for iced buns, reminiscing about sneaking down to his father’s bakery to steal one.
As Burns the Bread closes this chapter, many will remember the simple pleasure of biting into a soft iced bun, a sweet symbol of British tradition that now becomes a cherished memory.