Gail’s Bakery - is it really all that?

[BarrellChested]

When a Gail’s Bakery opened within walking distance of the office where I worked, people could barely contain their excitement. It felt like something magical had been bestowed on us, and I maybe got caught up in the hype.

I was aware of Gail’s before, of course, but had never been to one.

The great day arrived - a few of us went over and it was…… fine. Nice coffee and a decent enough pastry. But nothing beyond what I’ve had at the myriad of other coffee shops in the area.

Yet still my colleagues talk about it in reverential tones. So maybe it’s just me that doesn’t get it.

AIBU?

Wise, and not treating the employees well is bad news, been one unimpressed

My daughter mentioned this chain recently, I've not encountered one (in person). Looks wise they seem to be channelling the sort of place you find in a nicer touristy spot. Is that the appeal?, a bit of a indulge yourself, break from your day to day. I just thought Id google them They are definitely a chain, so I imagine they become (as any) a death to variety and independents. Very vague about their products and seeming to present baking as a calling rather than an exercise in selling food. I ll wait to gauge a place in person. Ultimately it looks like a less take away version of pret so far but then I'm probably not the target audience.

I won't pay those prices for a quick coffee and a snack.

Rather have a sweaty greggs sausage roll in a bag any day 😃

Overrated and over-priced.

I don’t understand the hype or pile-on. It’s like any food retailer - good for some things/occasions, not for others.

Pros - nicer vibe than any of our local spots, and more seats, so I can meet up with larger groups and guarantee a table. Food is fresh and their fridge section (salads etc) is innovative and good, especially if you are avoiding carbs. Big selection of pastries and superior cakes. Loyalty app.

Cons - bread is so hard it rips your mouth out, much prefer our local French bakery. Expensive.

Tooting?

Easily the worst branch ever.

I live in France, but still visit my old home town occasionally. First thing I do is get the breakfast from our local Gail’s, where I tut at the exorbitant price of the croissants, but get one of their amazing cinnamon rolls. Oh, and their hot cross buns when it’s the season.

It’s expensive, but some of the items are lovely.

It's Vantablacks Vs Greggs., the coffee mugs are lovely.

No, Manchester.

@VioletandMauveSale? The one there is teeny tiny and has a lot of local competition.
DH took DS in there after it opened and was not impressed. Brought me back a dry, stale brownie that did not incline me to go there.
Not sure what it says about Sale’s “gentrified” status, but we have an eat-in Greggs and a Gail’s (plus about ten independent cafes/bakeries).
IMO Blanchflower fills the “posh bakery” niche better than Gail’s.

I've never heard of it, perhaps our nearest town isn't posh enough.

Theres one in Manchester?! I work here and had no idea! Thought Oxford was the closest…

The cinnamon buns 😋😋😋

Yanbu. Not for me. Can't eat sourdough and don't think hot drinks and their cold drinks are run of the mill. Don't get the hype as the food is limited and similar. I been in and left to go to a better independent that makes proper cakes.

@Sartre there’s one on King Street, and four more in Greater Manchester (Sale, Altrincham, Didsbury and Prestwich).

The cinnamon buns are tasty but huge and hard to eat. I don’t use our local one, many better options

It's very expensive. I think there's nicer local options which aren't chains so I prefer to go to them.

OP, Mumsnet hates Gails, surprised you haven’t read the threads about it before. It’s a very pure form of hatred.

But if everyone recommending their superior independent shops would actually post the links/names, it might be useful!

A Youtuber that I follow, Hannah Ricketts, went to one of their branches and tried the food about eight months ago. She was very disappointed indeed.

This is her review of the Gails in Paddington Basin, London:

@GingerBeverage https://www.blanchflower.co/
much better than my local Gail’s, really feels like a treat and great for a lunch date.

I prefer Pret too, I think they are comparable in price though (expensive).

I don't think that's necessary, really. It would be very outing and people who live in the area know what they are. I just find it very expensive for what it is and kind of prefer to support a local business.

🤣

Pret is expensive for food but you can get 99p coffee.

I get excited because it is a bakery which is still bougie enough to be nice or "naice" (cinnamon buns, christmas buns are out of this world only at xmas obvs, turmeric latte (not coffee btw), their actual coffee blend is beautiful, breakfast items and their breads are lovely just to mention a few)

...but not "established chain ruined" like a neros or costa.

So I can predict the experience I am going to get but still kind of bougie if that makes sense?

I do love Gail's tbh. Plus they are all dog friendly ❤️ 🐩