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?

Extortionate retail rents and high business rates, combined with aggressive chains, have killed independent high street businesses.

High streets would make a come-back if government and councils supported independents, especially not-for-profits and/or those with good employment practices which offer shifts to local people who’d otherwise struggle in the labour market: lone mothers, disabled people, older people.

That's a nice thought but realistically many towns and cities in the UK are too expensive for independent shops and cafes so end up full of Tarbucks and Gail's. Rural west Cork would compare more with rural parts of the UK where you would also find fewer chains.

I had to try their cheese straws! It was ok but I've had so much better. Especially for nearly £4. Number 1 still Cooplands & probably always will be.

i think overrated.

The first and only time I went into a Gail's I asked what was vegan out of the whole massive counter. The assistant pointed to one tiny little chocolate brownie. I tweeted them about it and they didnt give a shit so I won't bother again.

I think anywhere that expands as much as they have are going to experience a dip in quality, it’s inevitable.

Once they start baking centrally and distributing instead of doing it in house, it’s never as good.

It was the same with patisserie Valerie, used to be wonderful, but I went in one about 10 years ago and was dismayed by the dirty tables, stale, overpriced food and surly staff.

I’m from up north so we don’t have any up here (not that I know of). I visit London regularly and have tried Gail’s but find it very bland on both interior and products on offer. Very over-priced too! So, I tend to skip it and go to Paul’s or Ole and Steen.

agree, Betty’s is a different league from Gail’s.

Veganism has been on the decline since 2019. Lots of places don’t bother with it these days - people who were vegan curious when they ate out have realised there’s a reason why things were traditionally made with eggs, milk and butter. Shops are selling smaller UP “plant based” foods as well, the fad is over.

Betty’s is amazing!

People I know who buy from them are usually buying sourdough which they feel is better than supermarket quality.

Overpriced and mediocre, imo, and I really don't see the attraction.

It's sad that these big chains are taking over our towns and driving out independent cafes imo. Thankfully, we still have a few, but mostly not near the main shopping area.

Oh thank you - I will do 😊

The sandwich choice is dire. We walked in, looked at the 3 options, walked out.

I’m not interested in any of the food that’s uncovered especially as they allow dogs I’m phobic about hair in food not dogs and a sealed salad and drink set me back £18 and they didn’t even give me my free coffee from the postcard they gave out. yeah no thanks

I like Paul's.

Very accurate. Scaling up chains isn’t easy - as Jamie Oliver and Harris + Hoole discovered.

One near me. It's okay but expensive and I can get better bread and pastry across the road at a shop that brings in bread and pastry from a local bakery. Shops like Gails do lift the area up.

I have only been once, to the one in Brum. I am not a cake fan (sorry, I prefer my own, and haven't got a sweet tooth anyway), so didn't eat (yes, I know they do savoury, but wasn't properly hungry). It was noisy, tables were uncleared, and unwiped, the floor was dirty - not at all relaxing or conducive to a natter with my friends. Perhaps I am too old.

Try Buns from Home if in London

It is expensive - but the spinach and feta roll is delicious! Also the scones with cream and jam are very nice too.

They are the best option near me for a fresh loaf of bread, don’t often sit in these days. Some of their small filled rolls and cakes used to be great value for money but have pretty much doubled in price in just a couple of years. Would love to know who is buying the £25 tote bags!

It used to be better - very mediocre now
and they don’t treat their staff well

Their cinnamon roll was the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth 🤤 On a trip to London so no shops anywhere near me, been craving one ever since.

I've only been in Gail's Cambridge. Great coffee, really charming service and a lovely seat outside in the sun watching the world go buy.

It's nice enough, but a triumph of hype/marketing over actual substance like just about everything from The White Company to those Swatch Watches. If you keep telling people your product is worth more money eventually some people believe you.