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Gail's (styled "GAIL's") is a British bakery and coffee shop chain.
The bakery opened it first shop on Hampstead High Street in 2005 and their 100th in East Sheen in 2022.[1][4][better source needed]
In 2021, all Gail's branches were within a 55 mile radius of its central bakery and kitchen in Hendon,[5] and expanded to Altrincham, Chester, Didsbury, Knutsford, Manchester, and Wilmslow.
Gail's has launched various initiatives to reduce food waste, such as selling a sourdough loaf made partially from leftover bread.[6] It partnered with Neighbourly to distribute surplus food in 2023.[7]
Twice-baked pastries
In August 2024, some customers criticised Gail's for selling their leftover "twice-baked" chocolate and almond croissants and indeed their almond croissants for £1 more than their fresh counterparts. The day-old pastries are "soaked in demerara syrup and topped with [their] homemade frangipane spread, alongside crunchy almonds." Gail's market their twice-baked pastries as part of their "Waste Not" range, with the objective being to combat food waste. Another customer stated that it is "standard" for how almond croissants are made.[8]
Prospective bakery opening
In August 2024, residents of Walthamstow Village petitioned to "prevent Gail’s from establishing a store on [its] high street." The village is known for its antiques shop, its tapas deli, and its independent cafés. The petition originator said the brand brought "a risk of overshadowing our much-loved local stores" and that the residents should "together safeguard the soul of our beloved neighbourhood."[3]
"Does it have a Gail’s?" became a political bellwether for the Liberal Democrats in the lead up to the 2024 general election. The political party received their best-ever general election result by "ruthlessly targeting" Conservative constituencies. One metric was the "Does it have a Gail’s?" question.[9]
In 2024, Gail's won the "Best Coffee Shop/Café Group" award at the MCA Hospitality Awards.[10]
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