The site earmarked for Gail’s

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AFTER months of speculation and swirling rumours, it has finally been confirmed that upmarket coffee chain Gail’s will open in Primrose Hill next year.

The red and white bakery known for its sweet treats and sourdough will fill the vacant site opposite The Engineer Pub in Gloucester Avenue, which was previously occupied by the delicatessen Melrose and Morgan.

The new outlet will be just a 10-minute walk from two other Gail’s – in Parkway and Camden Market. Residents in Primrose Hill have historically campaigned against chains moving in and independent businesses along the road said Gail’s expansion was like “steamroller” and its presence in the area could take customers away from indie shops.

Martha Swift, owner of Primrose Bakery, told the New Journal this week: “I don’t know whether we need another coffee place. Personally I think there could have been some other great things there.

“But as a landlord, these are the companies that can definitely pay the bills and the rent so I understand it. The odds are stacked against anyone wanting to do an independent business now. It’s really hard work.

“I’ve been doing it for 20 years and I’d say the last 18 months have probably been the hardest with the price of ingredients, prices in general of everything, electricity.”

Michaela McKenzie, Martha Swift and Ruby Vambeck at Primrose Bakery

She added: “I’ve lived here all my life. I think it’s always been quite a unique area and it’s one of the few places where there have been independent businesses and that’s going now. I just think it’s a shame to have another chain. “I think [Gail’s] is just a steamroller now. It was fantastic when they first started but there’s just so many now. But what can you do? Just keep making nice cakes, that’s all I can do really.”

Community campaigner Phil Cowan said that one of Primrose Hill’s main attractions was that it was “largely devoid of chain stores” and that independent businesses were the “glue that holds the community together”, adding people should “think carefully before patronising Gail’s Bakery”.

He said: “The proposed store will represent yet another rung on the ladder towards identikit retail environments which is both sad and ironic considering that people so enthusiastically celebrate Primrose Hill just as it is. A proudly independent village.”

Mr Cowan said studies showed that money spent in independent shops was more likely to stay in the local economy, rather than going to pay shareholders “who have most likely never heard of the area”.

Phil Cowan

Eve Alison, manager of cafe Jolie Corner opposite the soon-to-be-Gail’s, said: “We have a good relationship with our regulars so I feel like hopefully people will still come here as opposed to going to a chain. But you never know. We kind of do similar stuff to Gail’s but I feel like we’re a bit cheaper.”

Julian Webb, a bartender at The Lansdowne pub, said: “I’ve always liked this area because everything was nice. Small independent shops and restaurants and stuff like that. It just seems a shame but at least we don’t have a Starbucks. I highly doubt it would impact the business unless they start doing things like pizza and stuff like that.”

Julian Webb at the Landsdowne

But Mansoor Mohammad, owner of OM Cigars, thought the new Gail’s would bring more customers to other shops in the area.

He said: “People come to Primrose Hill to have brunch and spend time with their families. Of course we have some local businesses but I think something like Gail’s will bring in a lot more people and I think it’s a good addition.

“Maybe people will come from Camden Town – they see Gail’s on the map and they might come here so it will drive more people towards this area. We have Joe and the Juice so it’s not like we don’t have any corporate structures around.”

He added: “The queues on the weekend outside Arvo and the bagel shop are crazy. I’d rather sit and eat Gail’s than queue for an hour.”

Mansoor Mohammad, owner of OM Cigars

More than 20 years ago, Primrose Hill residents stopped Starbucks from opening an outlet in Regent’s Park Road after vocal opposition including from high profile residents actor Jude Law and broadcaster Joan Bakewell. So far there has not been any opposition registered on the planning application for Gail’s, which would see the bakery open from 7am to 8pm.

A Gail’s spokesperson said: “At GAIL’s, we know our growth is a gift earned daily, and we are grateful to those who support us and understand our sense of wider purpose.

“We acknowledge that with size and growth comes a greater responsibility to the communities we serve.

“We understand the concern around chains, but our view is that a healthy high street is one with a diversity of quality offers each delivering their best.

“High streets evolve over time, and we open our bakeries often in closed banks or restaurants, improving the landscape of the high street.”

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