Iconic bakery with 100-year history SHUTS as owner ‘fed up of doing nothing’ while customers flock to rival Gail’s
Share:
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.
![[The Village Bakery on Orford Rd, London.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/orford-rd-orford-rd-london-965538618.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
This had resulted in the "worst December in 19 years", the disgruntled businesswoman claimed. "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.".
![[Gail's Bakery storefront in London's entertainment district.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2j23fg1-gails-bakery-soho-wardour-965555093.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
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.".
