Gail’s has divided residents over plans to open a bakery on a street famous for its independent shops. Just months after people petitioned to stop the chain from opening in Walthamstow Village, it now has set its sights on Stoke Newington – another gentrified North London neighbourhood.
Rumours began in December when Twitter page StokeyUpdates claimed renovations of an empty restaurant unit had begun. This was confirmed earlier this week when adverts encouraging people to apply for jobs appeared in the shop window.
Efforts to prevent the bakery from opening in Walthamstow last summer received national attention as 1,800 people signed a petition against it. Many feared it would take customers away from smaller coffee shops in Orford Road, or even damage its reputation as a hub for independents.
Similar reaction was voiced online from ‘Stokey’ residents who claimed “chains are not welcome in Church Street”. Despite this, other viewed it to be a good addition to the high street.
Gail’s signage has appeared on an empty restaurant unit in Stoke Newington Church Street
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
“I’m mixed. It’s a chain, and I’m against chains – but of all chains, it’s not bad,” Innie Fryer told MyLondon, as she looked at the shop currently being renovated. “I’ll try my best not to come here as I already love The Spence bakery up the road,” she added.
The former primary school teacher and mum-of-two believes there are already too many coffee shops in the area. She added: “The majority of coffee shops here are independent. There’s a real community about Stokey. It’s why so many people want to move here.
“If we get loads of chains it will lose that appeal. It seems the moment you get a strip of independent shops the corporations move in.”
Gail’s founder Tom Molnar revealed in November the business plans to open between 30 and 40 more bakeries across the UK in 2025 and hire 1,000 more staff members. He told the Times the chain’s rapid growth is partly down to an increasing amount of empty shops on the high street. “You get really attractive deals [from landlords],” he said. “That’s been really fundamental to us”
Indian restaurant Rasa Street used to occupy the new Gail’s until it closed in February 2024. Its sister restaurant Rasa remains open on the same road.
One resident argued good businesses should have nothing to worry about Gail’s moving in
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)
Across the street from the new Gail’s sits Camia Deli. Already providing its own selection of coffees and filled baguettes, the owners fear they will be most impacted by the bakery chain setting up shop in Stoke Newington.
“It’s upsetting,” Leyla told MyLondon. “We’ve been here almost 16 years now. Church Street was full of independents until a few years ago corporations began moving in.
“I’m not happy they’re moving in, but I have to accept the change.” Leyla’s brother and co-owner Bulent, agrees: “It will affect us, but we have no control over it. We thankfully have a good amount of regular customers.”
Despite fears about the impact Gail’s will have on independent businesses, among many there is an underlying belief that Church Street’s 14 coffee shops, bakeries and delis do not offer customers enough variety.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, believes good businesses on the street should have nothing to worry about Gail’s moving in. “In all honesty it’s great,” he told MyLondon. “I think most cafés here are s***.
“There’s way too many on Church Street, and they’re often empty most of the time. Everyone gave out about Pret opening, but now it’s busier than any other places. I obviously don’t want to see local businesses shut, but the road needs a good shake up. If you’re a good business what are you afraid of?”
Jay and Mpaka of Perky Blinders. Jay believes the new Gail’s bakery will benefit Stoke Newington
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
Staff at Perky Blinders, situated two doors down from the new Gail’s store, believe the new bakery could even benefit them. “Some customers are worried about us,” Jay, a barista in the café, told MyLondon. “But we already have our regulars who come in on weekdays.
“We’re not worried about it. It’s better to have stuff open and busy. Bringing a good operator will benefit us. We noticed nothing when Pret opened and there’s too many empty shops.
‘We open in closed banks or restaurants, improving the high street landscape’
Gail’s did not confirm the opening date for the new Stoke Newington bakery when contacted by MyLondon. Responding to concerns about putting pressure on independent businesses, a spokesperson said: “Our view is that a healthy high street is one with a diversity of quality offers each delivering their best.
“High streets evolve over time, and we open our bakeries often in closed banks or restaurants, improving the landscape of the high street. All of our bakeries exist in areas where the choices are wide and growing – we believe the improvement in our food landscapes is something to celebrate.”
Do you have an opinion on Gail’s opening in Stoke Newington? Email luke.donnelly@reachplc.com
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