The fast-expanding brand is getting ready to open a new cafe and bakery in Junction Road near Archway Tube station.
When the first Gail’s opened in Hampstead High Street in 2005 it was welcomed by locals for its tasty sourdough loaves and quality pastries.
But 20 years on, the brand – which has its headquarters in Camden Town – has experienced a backlash among some communities who fear they will put much-loved independents out of business.
There are now more than 180 Gail’s outlets across the UK, with four more to open by the end of this month.
News of the latest opening was greeted with dismay on the Islington Community Facebook group with one writing: “They’ve recently opened a branch in Stoke Newington Church Street but most decent local people still support the local independent establishments in the area and it’s all good; so Archway people, just do your thing!”
Several voiced concern about the prices with one writing: “Overpriced, will never be able to afford to eat there. No thank you.”
Another said: “Very expensive for Archway,” while a third insisted: “Another overpriced bakery just what Archway needs.”
Fears over gentrification included one contributor who commented: “Gail’s is what Starbucks was years ago. You know your area was lost to gentrification when a Starbucks moved in.
“Please please please support independent cafe businesses in the area.”
Another said: “Kills all the local bakers that have struggled for years.”
Another felt Gail’s was not a good fit for the area: ” Places like this don’t unite communities they divide them. Archway, apart from the supermarkets, is for the most part, about individual shops.”
A spokesperson for Gail’s said: “In each neighbourhood we open in, we’re one of many businesses and only a small part of the retail picture.
“A healthy high street is a diverse one with a variety of offerings where people in the community have choice. We wholeheartedly support independents, demonstrated through the suppliers we choose to work with.
“With every bakery we open, we take over unused shopfronts giving them a new lease of life, in Archway we are partnering with local charities, such as the Alexandra Wylie Foundation and Girdlestone Food Co-Op, to distribute leftover bakes. This supports our overarching aim to make good food more accessible to more people.”
