Rapidly expanding bakery chain loved by Londoners to open in Birmingham city centre

A bakery that's popular in London is continuing its rapid expansion into the West Midlands with a new venue on Birmingham's New Street. Gail's, a brunch venue known for its pastries and coffee, is set to take over the space left by Ecco when it closed in the autumn.

Signage for the bakery has gone up on the busy road. Gail's has confirmed that it will open on January 16, 2025.

The chain is revered for its artisan sourdough bread, sandwiches, cakes and bakes. A branch opened in Stratford-upon-Avon in September with a second following in Solihull town centre earlier this month.

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The new bakery will open from 8am until 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 8am until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays, it will begin service at 9am and serve until 8pm while Sunday hours will be from 9am until 5pm.

It promises to offer complimentary WiFi in the new cafe to Brummies in its 'cosy' eat-in area. It will have a pantry stocked with jams, spreads, crackers, biscuits and coffee and cured meats, cloth-bound cheddar cheese, eggs and butter in the fridge.

Treat boxes, cakes and 'joy-filled' gifts will also be available at the branch, along with gift cards. So far, reactions to the Solihull Gail's bakery have been mixed.

Many customers have given it a high rating on review platforms, calling it a 'wonderful addition' with 'kind and attentive staff'. Others scored it lower on Google due to wait times for service and 'uncomfortable chairs'.