Iconic bakery with 100-year history SHUTS as owner ‘fed up of doing nothing’ while customers flock to rival Gail’s
AN ICONIC bakery with a 100-year history has shut as the owner is “fed up of doing nothing” while customers flock to rival Gail’s.
Samantha Davies, owner of Village Bakery, London, said business had dried up since the bakery chain moved to the same street in October.
This had resulted in the “worst December in 19 years”, the disgruntled businesswoman claimed.
Speaking to MyLondon, she added: “I’m selling up now. I’m not gonna be waking up at 6am just to stand here all morning doing nothing.
“Gail’s has impacted everyone. It wasn’t just December which was tough as we’ve also struggled in November and January.
“There should be something to stop them from coming in and pressurising local businesses.”
Samantha added that the street in Walthamstow, north London, had always had a vibrant community feel – with small business owners helping each other out on a shared WhatsApp group.
However, she feared this would be lost as more and more chains flocked to the highstreet.
Samantha is not the only local to worry about gentrification in the area.
When Gail’s announced plans for the new branch in Walthamstow Village last year, nearly 2,000 locals signed a petition tried to prevent the opening.
The change.org campaign received attention nationwide – and sparked a huge debate about the benefits of local versus chain businesses.
However, the company ploughed on with its plans, welcoming its first customers three months ago.
The branch has enjoyed a steady stream of business since then – and has even prompted envy from residents in neighbouring areas.
Grace Pickering said she wished a Gail’s cafe would open in Leyton, east London, adding: “It might be selfish to admit it, but in Leyton it would be a symbol the area’s changed for the better and help our house price go up.”
It comes after a year of booming business for the chain, which already has 150 locations – and is set to open 40 more this year.
These new additions will increase the company’s targeted sales to £300 million, CEO Tom Molnar said.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Tom credited the company’s rapid high street expansion to cheap real estate.
He said: “There are lots of empty sites on the high street.
“You get really attractive deals. That’s been really fundamental to us.”
Walthamstow is not the only community to have opposed the arrival of Gail’s.
In 2023, residents in Knutsford, Cheshire, where a Gail’s branch was due to open, told the Sun that the chain was “too expensive” and could drive out independent traders.
The Sun has approached Gail’s for comment.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter.
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived. Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.