AN AWARD-winning Christchurch bakery has announced it will close following financial struggles.

The popular M’s Bakery, known for selling the ‘best sourdough in the world’, shared the news on social media that it will be closing its doors.

Owners Marta and Istvan said: “That’s it so far, dear friends.

“Effective from October 1, we will sadly be closing our doors.

“It has been a pleasure serving our products to our customers, who became friends and family over the years, but it is time to say goodbye.

"The continuous support of our customers and the hard and dedicated work of our team were not enough to continue.”

The couple, who opened a second M’s Bakery in Christchurch in 2022 following the success of their Pokesdown location, said they are ‘emotionally affected’ by the closure.

They said: “We were very emotionally affected by the closing, as we considered this store our own child.

“The main reasons for the closure are a combination of high rental costs, taxes, and a decline in income due to the rising cost of living.

“Once again, thank you for contributing to the memories we’ve made at M’s Bakery Christchurch. It has been an honour serving you.

In 2022, M’s Bakery was won the award for best sourdough at the World Bread Awards for their, Pain au Levain, made simply with flour, water and salt, is which was a popular choice for their Christchurch customers.

(Image: Evie Coffey, Newsquest)

Marta and Istvan are no strangers to national recognition and their 2022 win was the second time Marta has won the award, having scooped the top prize in 2018 with her French Country Sourdough.

Thankfully, people can still get a hold of their favourite baked goods at the Pokesdown shop.

Marta and Istvan said: “We have very sweet memories of the past years, and we hope that our Christchurch customers will visit our other store in Pokesdown.

"The bakery will be extending the opening hours at its Pokesdown location from October 4 and will now be open on Mondays.

“We will be waiting for our customers on Mondays with the usual high quality and friendly service.”