Gail’s confirms opening dates for Stoke Newington, Primrose Hill and Southwark bakeries

Gail’s has confirmed opening dates for three new bakeries in London this winter. The chain is currently undergoing a rapid expansion across London after co-founder Tom Molnar revealed in November plans to open 30-40 new sites across the UK in 2025.

But this hasn’t come without controversy. Some are celebrating the arrival of a high-end bakery and coffee shop chain in their neighbourhood as a sign it is on the up, while others claim the business targets areas that already have independent bakeries, thus attracting a share of their customers.

Whatever side of the debate you fall on, it’s clear London is a key focus for Gail’s’ upcoming plans. The next two sites to open in London will be in Southwark and Primrose Hill on Thursday, January 30.

Gail’s is rapidly expanding across London and the rest of Britain
(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

The former will be situated in the old fire station on Southwark Bridge Road. The business applied in September for permission to make minor alterations to the Grade II listed unit. It will be the seventh Gail’s to open in the SE1 postcode, with nearby sites in Waterloo, Blackfriars and Bankside.

Gail’s will open its Primrose Hill bakery on a vacant site opposite The Engineer Pub in Gloucester Avenue, previously occupied by a deli. This has perhaps been the most controversial of all three openings, with many residents vocalising their fears about how much it would impact much-loved neighbourhood bakeries.

One told the Camden New Journal that independent businesses are the “glue that holds the community together”, and discouraged people from visiting the chain bakery.

Wherever you pass a Gail’s in London there is sure to be a long queue
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

The Stoke Newington site will open its doors on Thursday, February 27. It will be situated in an empty unit in Stoke Newington Church Street previously occupied by an Indian restaurant which closed in February last year.

There are already 14 coffee shops, bakeries and delis on the popular road which connects Stoke Newington High Street to Clissold Park. Similarly to Primrose Hill, some businesses in this proudly independent area also expressed their concerns about losing customers, but others believe it could actually benefit them by attracting more people to the area.

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Image Credits and Reference: https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/gails-confirms-opening-dates-stoke-30754432