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?

So expensive for coffee. I’d only go in for a cinnamon bun occasionally.

Does it have to be one or the other?

I’d rather it was independent shops and small businesses and will support those in a heartbeat before any of the chains. Sadly, most people don’t though and now we are left with Gails, Starbucks and vape shops.
It’s unfortunate.

I prefer somewhere clean and comfortable, unlike Gails! I find their products disgusting. The staff assembling the pastries hardly ever have clean hands of nails, the blue gloves are worn out. Awful places, just don't get me started on the toilets!

They have some nice things but its not a place I frequent often

I dislike their coffee actually prefer Starbucks.

I get excited about a local Italian deli I will admit..

Tiny portion sizes and very overpriced. I felt like oliver twist saying please sir can I have some more with my bowl of soup.

It’s a bit like a Greggs for richer people- something consistent and familiar that’s available most places.

I agree that most Gail’s don’t seem comfortable. I’ve always did take away at my local Gail’s whereas I often sit in my favourite independent coffee shops as they have comfy seating! But hey it’s fine it means I spend less at Gails.

Ah, thank you for that. A long, long time ago I bought a Gail's fennel and sultana Sourdough loaf and it was absolutely gorgeous, so when they opened a shop near me I was hopeful but the few things I've had from there since just haven't been on the same level. It was a bit confusing but if they've sold out that makes sense.

Funny how Bain Capital always gets mentioned in relation to culturally Jewish baker Gail’s, but not Burger King or Dominos, which they also invest in. I don’t see people boycotting those noisily. Bain Capital are massive. It’s not just Gail’s parent company.

It's not an either/or!

Decent independent coffee shops would be better but often they can't afford the rent that GAIL'S can.

This.

Totally agree it’s overhyped. I went in and nearly walked out again because there was nothing that particularly grabbed me but then I was accosted by one of the lovely members of staff so I ended up buying a sandwich and one of their ‘very popular’ blueberry brioches. I also got a Greek yoghurt with raspberry purée in the bottom which was by far the nicest thing. The blueberry brioche was a bit dry and a bit tasteless. The sandwich was ham/pastrami (can’t remember which) with mustard in a whole wheat roll. So dry and had no mustard until I got to the end of the roll when the full amount of mustard had been blobbed at one end. Never again. Not a patch on Pret.

Very disappointing experience as they didn't sell Prosecco... and I only had an hour for lunch.

I bet you’ve never even set foot in there …

Like when middle class people shunned Primark, citing exploitative labour, yet shopped at more expensive high street stores using similarly exploitative supply chains, but with vastly higher mark ups. Was just snobbery.

Gail’s Bakery so expensive.

I was in London last month and saw a Gail’s. What a load of overpriced mediocrity!

You’ve allowed too many large chain stores/cafes to open in the UK and not protected your independents and look what crap you’re now left with!

Where I live, there is no Tesco, Starbucks, Costa etc. They’re in the cities alright, but not in West Cork. The locals don’t want them and they struggle to get planning.

High street equivalent of plantation shutters in bay windows.

They have little rotating things to keep flies off at my local one which I find off putting too.

It’s just post greggs

What’s your real reason for posting this OP?

Because I remember not so long ago reading news articles about protesters standing outside a Gail’s in protest at their alleged links to Israel.

Of all the cafes people could randomly decide to post about on here, you just happened to pick Gail’s 🤔

I think this is a BS post that has absolutely nothing to do with the standard of food or service at this cafe.

If I ever come across a Gail’s I will most certainly be going in and supporting them.

Gail's was great when it was small and London focused. Used to go in a lot at lunchtime

Sold and expanded and it has lost everything that made it good. The one that opened up near us last year (outside London) was serving cold, old coffee and tables were filthy and staff were dire when we tried it. Will be giving it a miss.

£13 for a sandwich and £8 for granola? I think I’ll stick with Gail’s.

I've popped in to our local one a few times but never fancied anything. They just didn't look nice.

We too can experience the feeling of being ‘south’ as there’s a few branches here in t’north, Manchester mostly, but now including Macclesfield. Betty and her team of fat rascals would chase Gail out of town in the other fancy parts of t’north.

It is gross, you’re right

I hate food stored like that

sooooooo unhygienic