Most Londoners will have thoughts on Gail’s. The posh bakery is preparing for a full takeover of the UK, with 40 new locations across the country, and three already confirmed in London.
In Primrose Hill, Walthamstow and Stoke Newington, where the Gail’s outposts will be arriving soon, some residents have been up in arms about the prospect of a new chain bakery opening – these areas already have a lot of independent cafés and bakeries, which are concerned about their futures.
Now, one north London bakery has said it will have to shut down because of a new Gail’s that has opened down the road. Samantha Davies, the owner of Village Bakery in Orford Road in Walthamstow, said she will have to ‘sell up’ her business after having the ‘worst December in 19 years’. Davies is closing just three months after Gail’s opened on the same road.
‘I'm selling up now,’ Davies told MyLondon. ‘I’m not gonna be waking up at 6am just to stand here all morning doing nothing. Gail’s has impacted everyone. It wasn't just December which was tough as we've also struggled in November and January.
‘There should be something to stop them from coming in and pressurising local businesses. My friend who owns a café in Stoke Newington is considering doing the same once that shop opens up.’
When Gail’s was first announced for Walthamstow a petition opposing it gained 1,800 signatures. There was also a petition in its favour with 300 signatures. The bakery opened on October 4 2024.
Gail’s was contacted for comment by MyLondon but declined to comment.
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