A POPULAR bakery in Westcliff has shut its doors suddenly less than three years after opening.

Wenzel’s bakery, in Prince Avenue, Westcliff, has been a hit with residents since opening back in 2021 shortly before the chain also opened a bakery in Southend High Street in May 2022.

Earlier this year, the Southend High Street bakery closed its doors for good and now the Westcliff bakery has been listed as "permanently closed" on Google and the location removed from the chain’s website.

The site has now been listed on as up for rent on Rightmove for £1,250 per calendar month.

Residents have taken to social media in shock at the move, with many saddened to see the chain go.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for business, culture, and tourism, was also disappointed to hear about the closure.

He said: “It is really sad and disappointing to hear about this.

“It was a nice bakery.

“I think possibly the writing was on the wall for this though when the Southend High Street store closed as that probably got a lot more footfall than the Prince Avenue location.

“So, it is a shame to lose them both.

“Both sites are in good locations, I think the Southend High Street one may have a new tenant lined up now, and I hope the same will happen for the Westcliff one as I hate to see units left empty for long periods.”

Wenzel’s has more than 100 locations across England, including Basildon and Billericay.

The closure of the Southend High Street store in January 2024 came less than two years after the chain opened the site back in May 2022.

Wenzel’s was established in 1975 and has since become a favourite brand.

The firm saw substantial growth through the Covid pandemic and specialised in baked goods such as cakes and bread.

The reason for the sudden closure has yet to be confirmed by the firm, but they have been contacted for comment by the Echo.