Popular bakery chain GAIL's has announced that ten of its London outlets will open their doors on Christmas Day this year. The decision, revealed on Instagram, has generated a mixed response, with some customers criticising the move while others have welcomed it.
A Festive Gesture or a Step Too Far?
The upmarket chain, founded in 2005, stated that the move is intended to provide a 'warm and welcoming' place for Londoners who may be at a loose end on the 25th of December. In a social media post on Thursday, December 18th, the company explained its reasoning.
'If you're out and about on Christmas Day, a few of our bakeries will be open,' the post read. It promised 'a place for a coffee, a loaf or a familiar face on a quiet morning' and offered a complimentary mince pie to anyone who visits.
Online Reaction Divides Opinion
However, the announcement was not universally applauded. Consumer journalist Harry Wallop responded sarcastically on Twitter, writing: 'Don't worry, chaps. Gail's is open on Christmas Day! For those who cannot survive one sodding day without a matcha latte and expensive cinnamon bun.'
On Instagram, the criticism focused largely on staff welfare. User stef1sal commented: 'Wow, lovely gesture for the public, but poor staff working a full day..' Another user named Jo called the decision 'absolutely shameful', urging the company to 'give your staff the day off!'
Despite the backlash, some social media users supported the initiative. Andrew Baldwin said it was 'a wonderful thing to look forward to,' while houseundertheoak described it as 'lovely.'
Company Defends 'Voluntary' Decision
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for GAIL's emphasised that the opening was a 'voluntary decision' made by individual team members. The company stated it is proud to open a limited number of bakeries in key London locations.
'We recognise that not everyone celebrates Christmas and these teams wanted to be there for their communities,' the spokesperson added, framing the move as a service to those who might need it.
The full list of GAIL's bakeries open in London on Christmas Day is:
- Shaftesbury Avenue (7am to 8pm)
- Long Acre (8am to 4pm)
- Balham (7am to 5pm)
- Greenwich (7am to 5pm)
- Dulwich (10am to 5pm)
- Clapham Old Town (8am to 5pm)
- Blackheath (8am to 5pm)
- Highgate (8am to 3pm)
- Golders Green (8am to 5pm)
- St John's Wood (8am to 5pm)
