Gail’s has divided residents over plans to open a bakery on a street known for its independent shops. Just months after people petitioned to stop the chain from opening in Walthamstow Village, it has now set its sights on Stoke Newington – another gentrified north London borough.
Rumors began in December when Twitter page StokeyUpdates claimed renovations had begun on an empty restaurant unit. This was confirmed earlier this week when adverts encouraging people to apply for jobs appeared in shop windows.
Efforts to prevent the bakery from opening in Walthamstow last summer gained national attention when 1,800 people signed a petition against it. Many feared it would take customers away from smaller cafes in Orford Road, or even damage its reputation as a hub for independents.
Similar reaction was expressed online from ‘Stokey’ residents who claimed that “chains are not welcome on Church Street”. Despite this, others felt it was a good addition to the high street.
“I’m mixed. It’s a chain, and I’m against chains — but of all chains, it’s not bad,” Innie Fryer told me as she looked around the store, which is being renovated. “I’ll do my best not to come here because I already love The Spence bakery down the road,” she added.
The former primary school teacher and mother of two believes there are already too many cafes in the area. She added: “The majority of the cafes here are independent. There’s a real community about Stokey. That’s why so many people want to move here.
“If we get lots of chains, it will lose that appeal. It seems like the businesses move in the moment you get a strip of independent stores.”
Gail’s founder Tom Molnar revealed in November the business plans to open between 30 and 40 bakeries across the UK by 2025 and hire 1,000 more staff. He told the Times that the chain’s rapid growth is partly due to an increasing amount of empty high street stores. “You get really attractive offers (from landlords),” he said. “It’s been very fundamental for us”
Indian restaurant Rasa Street used to occupy the new Gail’s until it closed in February 2024. Its sister restaurant Rasa is still open on the same road.
Across the street from the new Gail’s sits Camia Deli. Already providing its own range of coffees and filled baguettes, the owners fear they will be most affected by the bakery chain setting up shop in Stoke Newington.
“It’s upsetting,” Leyla told me. “We’ve been here almost 16 years now. Church Street was full of independents until a few years ago when businesses started 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. Thank goodness we have a good amount of regular customers.”
Despite concerns about the impact Gail’s will have on independent businesses, there is an underlying belief among many that Church Street’s 14 cafes, bakeries and delicatessens 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 moving in. “Honestly, it’s amazing,” he added. “I think most coffee shops here are crap.
“There are far too many on Church Street, and they’re often empty most of the time. Everyone gave up on Pret opening, but now it’s busier than anywhere else. I don’t want to see local businesses close, of course, but the Road needs a proper shakeup if you are a good business what are you afraid of?”
The staff at Perky Blenders, located two doors down from the new Gail’s shop, think the new bakery might even benefit them. “Some customers are worried about us,” said Jay, a barista at the cafe. “But we already have our regulars who come in on weekdays.
“We’re not worried about that. It’s better to have things open and busy. Bringing in a good operator will benefit us. We didn’t notice anything when Pret opened and there are too many empty stores.
“We open in closed banks or restaurants and improve the streetscape”
Gail’s would not confirm the opening date for the new Stoke Newington bakery when contacted by . Responding to concerns about putting pressure on independent businesses, a spokesman said: “Our view is that a healthy street is one with a diversity of quality offers, each delivering their best.
“High streets evolve over time, and we often open our bakeries in closed banks or restaurants, improving the high street landscape. All of our bakeries are in areas where supply is great and growing – we believe the improvement in our foodscapes is something to celebrate. “
Do you have an opinion on Gail’s opening in Stoke Newington? Email luke.donnelly@reachplc.com
Keep up to date with the latest news from North London. Sign up for our newsletter HERE to get daily updates and more
