Gail's in Islington

I once bought bread here which, combined with my own copious personal consumption of LSD at the time, truly was out of this world. Highly recommend. And now, to find some more LSD.

They charge you overwhelming high prices and they can’t even make your sandwich warm. When I ask for it the barista just said: “we don’t have the equipments “.

Regularly visit here when in London, excellent baked goods, the service is chilled which seems to upset some reviewers but I prefer it to false friendliness. Perfect Flat White coffee. Great scones even if I can't apply cream and jam correctly!

Very bad behavior very bad environment

cinnamon rolls & pains au chocolat ♥

Dear oh dear, this was *terrible*. I ordered a long black coffee with a fruit and custard brioche to eat in in Exmouth market this morning. Both looked appetising. As they bake on site I had reasonable expectations. I find a long black coffee the acid test of any coffee shop; if they are using poor coffee or the barrista is incompetent they can't hide it under a tide of frothy milk. This was boiled, bitter and otherwise tastless. The brioche was dreadful; completely bland, no taste of custard or fruit. I am not surpised the alternatives at the other end of the street are busier. I would advise the management to give their staff a blind taste test comparing with the pastries from the Coop on City Road (at less than a quarter of the price). Why oh why is it so hard to buy decent pastries in London? £8.20 for a black coffee and a pastry....avoid.

Customer service is definitely not their strongest. Coffee is very average, Bagel Pastrami not very fresh although Gail’s claim their food is very fresh. Madeleines were absolutely tasteless and over priced. Note: I reduced to 1 star as for the second time coming here I witnessed ruder behaviour from staff behind the counter. We asked for a bit of milk for our americano and he avoided eye contact and without telling us left the milk on the counter! Unbelievable and unacceptable!!!

Good, but the milk in the cappuccino was overheated

I love to go here for some fresh made pastries or sandwiches. The food is really good!

Food is good but the service in this place is terrible. Even when there is queue of customers waiting to be served, the staff prefers to hang around having a chat rather than serving you. Terrible attitude. Started avoiding this branch and going to the Farringdon store where staff is helpful and attentive. Avoid

Gail’s Bakery in Exmouth Market truly stands out as a delightful culinary destination, especially for those with a penchant for exquisite baked goods. The star of their menu, for me, has to be the ham and cheese croissant, which is nothing short of incredible. Each bite offers a perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry with rich, savory fillings, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors. It’s clear that Gail’s doesn’t just bake; they craft experiences, with each croissant reflecting their dedication to quality and flavor. Moreover, their reverse cookie has carved out a special place in my heart, easily ranking as one of my favorite cookies in London. This unique treat offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, combining sweet and slightly salty notes in a way that’s both innovative and delicious. The inviting atmosphere of the bakery, combined with the friendly staff, makes every visit to Gail’s in Exmouth Market a truly enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or a savory aficionado, this bakery is sure to impress with its high-quality offerings and charming ambience.

I have been a regular customer at Gail's for the bakery, but not anymore. Whilst the bread and cakes are good, the service is nearly always consistently poor. For example, there will be a long queue of customers and 4 staff members (one of which is the manager) having a chat, ignoring the queue. On other occasions staff behind the counter will studiously stack sandwiches, avoiding eye contact with customers rather than either 1. offering helping a customer or 2. look to get some help from colleagues or 3. just apologize and say that someone will be with them shortly. Unfortunately can't recommend.

This is a terrible place to have breakfast! The staff members are completely rude. No matter what you order, they don't bother to warm up the food. You end up getting cold or the wrong food. It is definitely not a place to sit and enjoy your food. It's more of a take-out place, with 99% of their customers ordering take-out. Plus is expensive too.

A very disappointed "chocolate" based muffin, the drink filled with ice cubes. Disappointed

Not bad. Had a couple of things to eat. One was really nice, one was a little bit disappointing - but not awful by any means. Good service and a nice little place.

Coffee in paper cup because they run out of crockery maybe clear the tables full of old empty cups n plates 🤷🏼‍♂️

Located in Exmouth Market, really nice area to visit:) Friendly staffs and definitely recommend the ham & cheese croissant.

Staff always friendly, I come regularly and they always remember my order :) definitely recommend

Cosy vibes, really great staff and the best croissants anyone could ask for. 10/10!

Siamo stati qui per una colazione veloce e genuina, ma soprattutto economica (considerando i prezzi altissimi dei generi alimentari a Londra). Abbiamo preso il porridge (ci sono tre varianti da quello tradizionale a quello con la frutta fresca) e biscotti vari (oltre a un ottimo cinnamon roll). Il prezzo varia se si usufruisce del take away o si consuma sul posto. Il forno a vista garantisce la qualità della preparazione

Such a shame for a lovely bakery. I don’t understand why the staff always seem to have an attitude…people are coming in to patronise you, it wouldn’t hurt to smile and be friendly. I go into this branch so often and it’s usually the case, grumpy staff that treat you like you’re an inconvenience. Guess this is my sign to try the other bakeries nearby. I don’t need my breakfast or lunch ruined by you staff. Ps: please also get rid of the burnt pastries rather than serving them to customers.

Beautiful service and coffee from lovely people. Thanks Hayley and Marie.

Great vegetarian options if you're in a hurry. The Focaccia with pesto, mozzarella and tomato is great.

Definitely worth visiting, took one star away as they unfortunately don’t take part in any save food apps, like TooGoodTOGo. Yummy food left at the end of the day goes in a bin :(, what a shame.

What a shame our big fair, big portions of salmon 🍣 was cut down ( comes as a side for breakfast). It’s not cool dear Gail’s team to cut our portion of salmon down and keep the same price for it, we are not . . . we noticed you bring us that tiny paper cup with salmon instead of our plate with salmon :((((, bring it back please or charge correctly for it. Thank you

Great place with super friendly staff even when busy

Really nice Bakery for having some delicious breakfast or other daily lovely little things and bread. Didn’t thought to find such a good Bakery with traditionell sour dough bread in London.

As a customer it’s really hard to watch 2 people make deliveroo orders while the one person left to make coffees and serve the 10 people waiting all quietly but all annoyed. This isn’t just Gail’s at the moment but a few different businesses. Someone need to find a better balance.

Nice, smiley baristas, good atmosphere

Tasty yet overpriced cake and pastries. Ordering a simple coffee seems somewhat of a confusing task, however. A flat white and a vanilla latte was repeatedly communicated to two people behind the counter, only to be met with a third voice tucked away that 'we dont do syrups!'. The response was met with strange expressions from both us and the two serving us. The coffee did eventually arrive, with a foul burnt taste. We made a few British stiff-upper-lip sips for politeness then left. It seems by simply putting 'artisan' in a brand gives people the excuse to over price and under deliver. Thankfully something seemed to come for free... The aloof sprinkling of pretentiousness.

It got quite impersonal, food still ok but difficult to be served

Had a take out breakfast a few times from this branch of Gail’s. Love their choc muffins

Great and lovely places when early morning to grab a coffee and food near here:)

Really enjoyed my experience at this branch today. Ordered a Kale and Spinach roll, pain au chocolat and a pecan caramel cake and my friend ordered an elderflower drink and cinnamon roll and all were (expectedly) delicious. We were served by Kenya and another lovely male staff member whose name began with D - I’m thinking David? They were polite, warm and personable. Would recommend!

Délicieuses pâtisseries anglaises (cinnamon bun, scones sucrés et salés..) Prix raisonnables Service un peu rapide qui pourrait être plus agréable

There are numerous pastry options available, and it's a delightful experience to watch them being baked in the large space. Though not the most conducive for studying and focus, it's not too distracting either.

The food here is absolutely lovely. This is where we had our first British scones with Jam and Cream, I did not expect 2 scones to fill myself and my wife. They are just exceptional. So many other choices too

Widely known for its outrageously high prices and its unpleasant and arrogant staff.

Came in for hot breakfast at 08.30 and was told the kitchen wasn’t open. I asked them when it would open and they said they didn’t know, when it’s open it’s open. I pointed out the menu was available online until 3pm but they just didn’t care. Gail’s, set hot breakfast times if you want to but I don’t want to turn up and find out once I’m in.

terrible service, it is not clear why you can buy only one pastry per person, there is no courtesy, although it is tasty, but I do not recommend the service

Tasty breakfast with top coffee, great service and lovely place!

Lovely atmosphere. Very friendly staff and delicious food. Would visit again and would definitely recommend 😁

Great place, though I feel a slight quality drop on todays order, maybe just coincidence

This review is for Diana. She was extremely sweet and kind. That day I forgot my wallet in my other purse and I was with my little baby. I asked her to cancel the order after I realize I dont have the money w me but instead she let me take the coffee and pay when I visit next week. She is a real human!!

Desayunos muy completos, salados ó dulces. No os vayáis sin probar el cinnamon roll

Rock hard cookie and cold egg casserole

What a lovely, 'bohemian - but posh' cafe! Has it's own quirky style and the food is amazing to look at! They have soya milk, not sure about other vegan options...

직원들이 친절하였고 음식들도 괜찮았습니다. 내부 공간이 넓은 편이어서 좋았습니다. 평일 아침에도 손님이 좀 있는 편이었습니다.

Terrifying cold in this shop. Really very uncomfortable in this cold winter wheat her. They keep the door open which causes a icy cold wind to blow in. 🥶🥶🥶🥶. Most people keep their coats on but still are very cold. Really awful!!!!!

I'm going to be honest I bought a coffee it was cold. Cinnamon bun it was hard and I commented that it was hard but apparently its the sugar glaze! No it was hard! I also bought a blueberry buffin I could taste the raising agents in it and it wasn't soft. The point of going to a bakery is not just because your hungry or you need to open your laptop (soulless) . Its an experience you want to relive from your childhood. I didn't enjoy my visit and your staff weren't pleasant.

Staff are much friendlier than the Upper Street branch!

Great stop for pastry when in the area

Nice cafe and I liked the baked eggs with streaky bacon.

Nice relaxing spot to get a cup of coffee and sweets. The scone was great, and the staff was polite. Spacious and calm interior, in which I could plan my day. I would visit again.

I always enjoy the visit to gails bakery as their food and coffee is so delicious and tasty but I just had to write a review to my favourite branch that is in exmouth market. The display is always full and we always receive the best customer service there from a short lady with blue hair (I think she is european,she is so funny always makes our day)(she should get a payrise!😂but I do think she is a manager) she is always with a smile and makes us laugh. She manages her team very well and everyone seems to enjoy and all the rest of the staff is very polite and helpful, they always give extra best service (maybe because we come so often?) I always recommend gails bakery but this particular branch is my go to and local place and you will see me there absolutely again and again! Please keep on the good work and exceptional customer service as it is very much appreciated and it is also very rare these days!❤️❤️❤️

Very friendly staff. I'm being go there for last few years and also happy with the service.

I must say I came to Gail’s bakery 3 times in a very short trip. Two visits to this same branch Unbelievable yummy artisinal baked goods Very yummy coffee too Dont miss out on the spinach cheese rolls Tomatoes goat cheese quiche Cheese and chives scones Regular plain scones Staff are so friendly too Love the outdoor seating in lovely weather

One of the best bakery chains in London, do try the fruit score with cream and avocado chick pea slider

Great lunch spot with tasty treats and outside seating. The pistachio and raspberry bun was a delight.

Overpriced but reasonably tasty salad boxes. Exceptionally dirty and nasty toilet, though.

Astronomical prices. Hot chocolate comes in an expresso glass. A shot of hot chocolate for a fiver. A mini bagel with tiny amount of meat. One bites worth of food. £11 quid for rations. Bread was nice. Everything else is beyond poor. Ate my food then got served my drink in which I had to collect. Never again

Really good quality. Great selection of baked items and pleasant service.

Great menus. The Sausage Roll was very delicious and tasteful! 😋 And of course, I must not forget that the kind and nice staff's attitude multiplied the pleasure of the food.👌🥰 You can seat outside and enjoy your meal. Just a little problem is; that you can not pay by Cash

Good coffee and muffin. Unfortunately whoever was on table clearing duty was asleep out the back when I visited.

Been a regular for the last 3 years. Last weekend got the usual cake selection and they all tasted soo poor and cheaply made.. especially honey cakes and blueberry & custard brioche. Not sure if that's a recipe change for cheaper ingredients or a new mediocre baker.. Disspointed and sadly will not be back

Thankyou so much to the guy in the red shirt who was so patient with the big take away order (around 4 pm)

Always love visiting Gail's Exmouth Market. Yummy food and delightful happy staff. Thanks for always looking after me.

Excellent breakfast and coffee. Great variety of toasts.

I left a review last week to say that the size of the chocolate and almond croissants were getting smaller but the price was increasing, I bought my usual treat this morning and happy to say that the portion size has returned! Thank you for listening to my review Gails, it's made my morning!!

I love coming to this GAIL's. The staff are wonderful - always friendly and happy to serve. I look forward to coming here, it brightens up my day. They always help me with my order when I'm unsure of what to order - I've tried everything and it's so delicious. This is the best GAIL's I've been to and will continue to come back again and again. Would really recommend the chocolate chip muffin.

Have visited before and never had an issue. Today, really rude staff and they also refused to heat up my food when they have done this for me before at this store. Really poor attitude on display and coffee was weak. Well below the usual standard of Gails

Nice place with great food. Seating limited. Good coffee and pastries.

Excellent and friendly service, nice chilled out atmosphere , fresh food and very tasty

The cinnamon rolls are unquestionably amazing, but I am not yet sure if it is worth the value. Also, quite noisy/non-cozy in the morning.

I once wrote a glowing review for this group but have now had to change it to a 1-star because.. they've "Gone Cashless". :o I watched an older gentleman seek to pay for a scone and cup of tea only to be told "Sorry, we've gone cashless". He only had cash. Other customers looked over feeling sorry for him too. The man left without his tea and scone. Shame on Gails for discriminating against the older generations. Many of the older generation fought in the war or grew up in the tough years after it. Now their money's not good enough to buy a cup of tea! Terrible decision. Let's hope Gails reverse it soon and realise what the other cafes realise.. = Customer experience is what matters, not squeezing every penny for profit.

Absolutely love this place.!!! The place has a simple but very nice decor... the coffee is delicious, and the staff are very friendly. It is a place where you will always want to come back....)

The prices are good and the quality is decent for what you're paying. We'll defo come back.

Super friendly staff, delicious coffees and snacks. Had the Comte, leek and smoked ham quiche and oat milk flat white later. Delicious!

A good stop off if you are in the area . I thought the smoked salmon Bagel very good as well as some of the muffins and the patisseries. Took one star off due to the staff, who really do try their best, become a little overwhelmed at the busy times ....so your food is instant....unlike your tea and coffee which you need to be patient for. Worth a visit.

We had an awful experience last time we visited this location. One staff member (the barista, in particular) was very rude to us—zero respect and consideration for customers. And the hot beverages we ordered were cold. The service was terrible! After the bad experience (I will not go into further detail), I contacted Gail's customer service by email. The response I got was arrogant and condescending. So that tells me this business doesn't care about customers. After this, I don't think I will set foot in any of the other locations either.

Nice atmosphere and coffee, but not so great bread and the staff’s manner. The only moment the staff became amicable is when they chitchatted with each other.

Beautiful pastries and well pulled coffee. Quick service. I just want to stare at that case all day.

Beautiful breads and products! Highly recommended.

Good coffee. Food rarely tastes fresh unless made to order. Breads are quite dry. Tried smoked salmon bagel, very dry and quite tough with not much filling inside.

Perfect place for breakfast! Very good coffee and amazing avo toast.

Great coffee, tasty food and friendly staff!

Good coffee and food. The cookie was however too sweet.

Food is not fresh at all, viennoiseries and bread are totally dry and have the same quality as we can have in a standard supermarket. A nice and polite customer service would be appreciated

Delicious pie and cheesy croissants

My first visit, and not really sufficient data for a full review, but my initial impressions were positive. I got the hot oat milk I sought, without any problems (not always a given, even in London) and the ambiance inside seemed nice, though we were outside. I would go again.

Lovely bakery and coffee shop. Flat white was excellent as was the cheese straws!

Went to this bake shop and found it to be excellent in all aspects.

products are great but super expensive.

Good food but staff could have been more welcoming.

Do you feel lucky? Half the pastries I purchase here are fresh and delicious, the other half are stale and disappointing. I never know what to expect... It’s a shame that, despite the high prices, they do not endeavour to sell fresh baked goods.

Good ham and cheese croissant. Average coffee.

This is the most disappointing Gail’s I have ever been to! Me and my partner have visited multiple stores across London and this is by far the worst one and the worst experience in a bakery I hve ever had! The employees are not welcoming and rush you to choose and do not even greet or say good day when we always do! But thats not all, I love gail’s menu and quality of baked goods but this store continues to give us hard rock croissants each time! Like they are baked yesterday! I never write reviews but today they crossed the line when I found my croissant not just hard as a rock but also clearly sliced by someone beforehand! This is horrific I will never come back

Styles itself as a chic bakery but the sourdough loaf I bought was dry, had quite a close crumb, and wasn't at all sour - so none of the usual sourdough characteristics. I'll be going elsewhere for my bread needs in future.

Didn't really enjoy my experience since I approached the counter greeting and not being answered. The lady in black mask, clear eyes and brown hair didn't look that happy. Placed an order then was told and with an arm gesture pointing outside to wait there. Only a minute later I realised that the Barista screaming randomly Cappuccino Cappuccino was calling our order from the bar.

Hilariously rude staff. Having been a loyal Gail's customer in Queens Park, Kentish Town and Upper Street, I will not visit this store again. There are plenty of other great competitors on Exmouth Market more deserving of the business. Second star only added due to quality of baked goods.