London’s culinary landscape continues to evolve as Gail’s Bakery, named Britain’s best bakery chain, opens its third branch in Chinatown. The new 1,300 square foot retail space on Little Newport Street focuses on high-quality, ESEA-inspired baked goods with an emphasis on joy and togetherness. This opening marks another step in Gail’s ambitious expansion plans across the UK.
Since opening its first bakery in Hampstead in 2005, Gail’s has grown to include more than 100 locations throughout London. The company has been recognized for its commitment to diverse grains, British farming, and knowledgeable staff, helping it beat competitors like Bird Bakery, Lidl, and M&S for the title of Britain’s best bakery chain.
The past year has been particularly successful for Gail’s, with the launch of 36 new bakeries across the UK, including its first location in southwest England. This expansion has contributed to a significant sales increase of approximately 20 percent from February 2024 to February 2025, reflecting strong year-on-year growth driven by consumer demand for high-quality, nutrient-dense food options. The bakery joins other Asian establishments in the area including Kova Patisserie and Golden Gate Cake Shop, further enriching Chinatown’s diverse culinary scene.
Looking ahead, Gail’s plans to open 40 more UK locations by the end of February 2026 as part of its current financial year targets. The chain is specifically targeting areas outside London to reach new customers and markets. This expansion will bring the total to 225 outposts across the country, dramatically increasing access to good food for more communities.
However, not all communities have embraced Gail’s expansion with open arms. Residents in Crystal Palace have expressed concerns about the impact on existing local businesses, while Walthamstow residents went so far as to petition against a Gail’s opening last year. These reactions highlight the tension between chain expansion and support for independent bakeries.
In related bakery news, Lola’s Cupcakes recently opened a new store at South Kensington tube station, designed as a grab-and-go option for commuters, visitors, and residents.
Meanwhile, Get Baked has expanded to Manchester and now employs 60 staff across its operations.
