Gail’s is on a mission to take over London. After opening new spots in Walthamstow, Stoke Newington, Primrose Hill and Southwark (much to the dismay of some locals), the bakery chain now has its sights set on higher places: Gatwick Airport.
The coffee and pastry spot has announced it will open its first airport edition in Gatwick’s South Terminal this June, just in time for the summer holidays. The Gatwick outpost will have seats for 100 customers and will serve all the Gail’s usuals, including pastries, sandwiches, seasonal treats and fresh coffee.
The airport café will be open during peak departure times seven days a week, and to cater effectively to travellers across all time zones, Gail’s noted that it will be baking on-site all day in Gatwick.
Gail’s seems to be expanding across London’s transport hubs at top speed, and has already launched branches at St Pancras, London Bridge and Liverpool Street train stations.
What do Londoners actually think of Gail’s?
While the bakery chain is undeniably popular, its expansion into new neighbourhoods in London hasn’t come without its controversies. Gail’s has opened spots in areas that are known for their top independent cafés and restaurants, and locals haven’t always been happy about it.
The Stoke Newington outpost of the chain was reportedly egged the day it opened, while protesters also glued its doors shot. In Primrose Hill, some residents called the arrival of the new bakery ‘sad’, and said chain’s expansion was like a ‘steamroller’. You can read more about the Gail’s Primrose Hill controversy here (and about a previous controversial Gail’s in Walthamstow, too).
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