GAIL's Bakery St Albans in St Albans

Really disappointing. Ive seen so many branches of this business, often in good locations that I had high expectations. In the event the two staff members I spoke to were really sour faced - forced smiles and even then only just. In terms of the product, why is it so hard to take the drinks to the customer in such a small establishment? Instead they opted to shriek my name across the room and turn away. Also, my flat white came in a tiny handle-less bowl. WTF is that all about? All substance over form - get back to being a shop selling tea, coffee & cake (but I won’t be back).

Only have the one visit on which to base my review so a little surprised to see some of the comments on here. Nice selection of cakes and savoury items - wish I had been hungrier so I could have justified sampling some more. Coffee was very good and the staff member who served us was very efficient and professional, so we did not have to wait any time at all before being able to sit down and start our coffee and pastries. Would certainly return if in the area. In terms of other reviews - from a quick glance - I didn't think it was particularly expensive and had just come from a St Albans venue at which I paid more for very similar items - so I think their pricing is just about right. Staff were not particularly friendly - but then I'm not their friend! They were busy, professional and efficient - which is basically what I want when I go into a coffee shop. Noisy and busy are I'm afraid things that tend to go hand in hand so it is what it is....... and don't take cash, that's their choice. There are lots of other venues in Harpenden so any reviewers who have had a bad experience do have other choices and I'm not sure why the repeatedly bad experience reviewers return to a venue they are not happy with?

Coffee is really nice but there is a member of staff who storms about with a level of self importance you wouldn't expect. She was going in and out of the shop, didn't hold the door open for anyone or say 'thanks' for letting her through. Just rude.

Ordered 2 coffees and 2 pastries for Mother’s Day breakfast for only one coffee to arrive. This is nothing to do with the delivery company and all to do with the store, a delivery with 4 items is not complicated, how can one be missed off, silly things like this are mistakes that should never happen, and not the first time. Will not be using this Gail’s again, Bradley is way better !!

We called in here one morning intending to have breakfast. There was a queue at the counter, but we were in no hurry. However, we noticed that many of the tables had not been cleared. The prices on the menu board did seem a little high compared to others in the town. The final straw came when I found out they did not take cash. At this point, we decided to leave.

My drink was fabulous and the pastries were fabulous! Can’t wait to come back before we return to the states! So many harsh reviews! Definitely not our experience! Definitely crowded and busy, but everyone was helpful and patient.

We popped in here for a light lunch. We chose the salmon and cheese bagels and coffee. Unfortunately the bagels seemed stale as we had difficulty cutting through them with a knife. What a disappointment.

Goodness! 2 drinks, porridge and a small bap, £21.40! OUTRAGEOUS! Staff we cool as cucumbers though, very nice.

First visit today . Unfriendly staff. Drinks were lukewarm, scone was like a bullet! So noisy too no place to go fir a coffee and a chat. And at £14 for 2 hot drinks and 2 scones!

I just don't get the hype?.So overly priced which I wouldn't mind if it was tasty but their baked goods are really dry and the staff.grumpy.

An usual Gail's experience - delicious food, kind staff, fantastic coffee. Limited seats available and as it's quite busy so you may need to wait for a table.

I’ve been here a few times now and each time I’m left feeling annoyed I’ve spent my money there. Firstly, they don’t accept cash and are not apologetic for this as yes it is an inconvenience. I’ve just been in and ordered a box of four pastries to go that were given to me in a battered box with the flaps sticking out and just carelessness in presentation especially for £13. I ordered a flat white and was told to wait. I was then presented with a beautiful looking flat white in a mug, I needed this to go. I assumed as my pastries were to go they’d have also assumed this. I explained this was to go and they scowled, I apologised ( for some reason in true British way) stepped back and they immediately called for me to collect my drink. They had quite literally tipped my drink from a mug into a takeout cup. It looked rubbish. It tasted rubbish . I left feeling… rubbish

Great place. There almost every morning for takeaways, with my dog. Great coffee, great croissants and, of course, great staff. And special mention to Angel who somehow seems to remember everyone names- and that its take me about a month to do this review. Thank you all. Nick

Great range of food and decent coffee. However, what on earth is the matter with these employers hiring people who have as much social skills as half a cube of sugar. Service so poor and rudely delivered I didn’t bother. Other shops are available at more reasonable prices and a warm welcome.

Lovely little find, great welcome, atmosphere! Coffee and light breakfast was fabulous, could not fault for a Sunday morning, before a walk!

We visited St Albans for the first time on 15th Sep. We were looking for somewhere to get a coffee. We try to choose independents rather than big chains to offer our support to smaller businesses. We ordered an espresso and a mocha to take away. Unfortunately, the coffee was tasteless and both drinks undrinkable. We ended up throwing them away and going to Cafe Nero. Really need to make sure the coffee is good, otherwise people just won't come back.

I met a friend here. We got a table outside and my friend went inside to order. First, we cleared the table and carried the previous customers' cups and saucers. On ordering our coffees, my friend was told there would be no table service. A member of staff walked outside to our table to tell us to collect our coffees - surely the two coffees could have been brought over when she came to tell us? My coffee came in a cup without a handle (a sugar bowl?) It was lukewarm. We won't be returning.

Oh my gosh!!!! The BEST!!! Absolutely delicious!!! We had the Berry & Custard Brioche & Quiche paired with 55% cocoa milk and flat whites 😍😍🥰🥰

Whilst listening to a fantastic trumpet player in the main drag ,I chatted to a French lady in my very pigeon french, she was clutching a paper sack and the smell of fresh bread was amazing. She had visited the same cafe everyday on the trip and that was gails Tucked away down the alleys the cafe is a delight, amazing pastries, bread and coffee with window seats to watch the world go by ,I will definitely be back when I visit.

Great selection of pastries and brunch items. Fresh cooking. Very tasty. Excellent coffee. Bustling little place with great atmosphere.

Having waited for drinks which took 8 mins to make a black americano and Chai Latte. The chai latte was all syrup and no milk and well is not difficult to make hot water and espresso in a cup, all came in takeaway cups when China would have been better. The sausage roll and toast was nothing to write home about either. Well what would you expect when the kids are running the place and don’t care and trying to get over the hangover from the nights before. Hhmmm not a good experience. And you get attitude from the staff for even ordering something from the shop.

Loving the place ! Very friendly manager out there and always yummy and fresh buns. I just can't gey over the cinnamon ones !😍 Will be back soon !

I fancied a small savoury snack but I didn’t want a cold sausage roll etc and asked if I could have it heated but bluntly told that they don’t heat anything up. Ok then, so I opted for a sweet brioche which was very nice....

Terrible customer service & dry, tasteless cakes. All cakes left out for people to breathe over and touch, didn’t feel covid safe at all. Worst part was the customer service, the lady making the coffees was incredibly rude. She isn’t even bringing coffees to the...

Called in by chance for a coffee and something for breakfast. Has some great toast and sat outside, watching the world go by. Very clean and lots of high quality cakes and breads.

Poor service! Lady who worked there was very rude, no manners. Asked to have an extra chair outside as other guests did, and was rude about it. Asked for napkins and were just basically thrown at as with no manners. Poor poor service but lovely...

Service amazing. Ignore the 1 star negative reviews about food and service. I have been going there for years and coffee, bread and food is very good. Yes it’s a bit pricey but if you don’t like that go get your cheaper meal deal chicken...

After collecting out hot drinks we walked back to the till to buy some water. We were then told by the brunette woman at the register that we had to get out immediately as she hadn’t waited to hear us order and simply directed us...

I love everything about GAIL's! Great coffee and mouthwatering bread and cakes! It's always crowded, even during this pandemic, so you better expect a queue. It's worth the wait, but go there with warm clothes and try not to catch a cold!

Gails always does great food and coffee. I love the Xmas cookies they’ve got coming out at the moment. The St Albans brunch provides all of the good things Gails does well. It seems a little pricey on some things but, they tend to be...

Delicious pain au chocolat and cappuccino, and great customer service too! Will definitely be back for another cuppa!

Visited today for coffee to drink at outside table. When I asked the assistant if she could disinfect the table, after previous customers left, she appeared very surprised and I had to repeat the request. Why so taken aback? We’re in the midst of a...

I love their flourless chocolate cake, their loaves of bread and some of the food I had there was very good. I always find their bread a treat and whenever I go through St Albans I make time to pass by and get a nice...

Situated in the market square you will find this super friendly cafe/bakery. Pop in for a coffee and takeaway some fresh bread, or sit and chat, or sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch. Very sociable. Lots of seating both inside and outside

It is a while since I last visited Gail’s Bakery, partially because it is also so full with too many people cramped in, but for once I was free on a weekday so was able to revisit. I found both my drinks and snacks a...

Very nice coffee shop with nice cakes but let down by the fact that you can’t sit inside with dog. Most coffee shops now allow dogs so would be nice if they did the same.

This is a very pleasant cafe in the centre of St Albans near the Clock Tower. The food is all very fresh and home-baked with some unusual items to tempt the palate. The only slight difficulty is that the tables are very close together, so not the place for prams etc. There are two or three tables outside at the front.

What a lovely contrast with the bland coffee chains. There’s undoubtedly a traditional feel to the interior and the decor, but the cakes are much modern day. Service is friendly and efficient. My cappuccino was excellent. There are a number of pavement tables outside. Really enjoyed coming here.

Not so impressive really although there were a good selection of savouries. Sadly, not too many cakes and the biscuits we did have were quite dry. Tea and coffee were fine though. In a place with so many coffee shops though we would try somewhere else next time as the overall experience was disappointing.

Popped in on early on a Tuesday morning, to get some pastries for a surprise birthday breakfast and was not disappointed! The almond croissants and the chocolate and almond croissants were glorious! Staff were very cheery (first thing in the morning as well as being the day after a bank holiday!). We shall definitely be going back again to explore the rest of their range!

Extremely busy on a Saturdy morning, we had to wait for one of the small, closely-packed tables, but the food was worth the wait.

really nice choice of pasteires and for a chain its shockingly good and baked on site. I like their little pattesieries and you get the multi buy offer.

Disappointing and overpriced for breakfast. Side order of mushrooms served on chipped plate. Bread very average. To be avoided.

Best Latte in town for me, although slightly more expensive than some other places. Like there are no long queues to wait to have your coffee made, as you are given a number and grab a seat to relax while it is made. Good place to people watch on busy day when market is on.

This branch of the well known chain is top notch, friendly service with eat in and take out service. Pricey but really good value

Visiting St Albans for the day and we spotted this lovely bakery / retaraunt my wife enjoyed a delicious Sweet Potato & coconut soup and I had really fresh panini. All followed by delicious cake & scones. I had too much choice and am still hankering after the vegetarian quiche that the table next door to me had. Coffee was nice as well.

The food is to die for here I have parmasain chicken in a bun And real tea in a teapot (you get four cups of tea)

Nice choice of food with great bread. Very small room so recommend you get there early if you want a seat. had the soup of the day which was excellent

Had a couple of good americano served quickly by young friendly staff. Also purchased a sour dough for home. Breakfast, sandwiches and cakes available to purchase or take away.

Margaret and I popped into a very busy Gail’s Bakery today around lunchtime

Gail’s sucks ! Brought a slice of carrot cake which is literally the ONLY thing I still like to eat here but this waitress cut me a super skinny slice !!

Having discovered Carluccios had closed, we decided we needed to find somewhere new for breakfast on a Sunday morning so we've set about working out where to go.

We tolerate Gail’s about once a week. We like the coffee and the food but thats about it. We only stop if there is a table outside and its not raining. To sit inside is madness. It’s over crowded and they dont clear the tables quick enough.

Popped in here when recommended by a family member. Had the Blueberry pancakes and where AMAZING!!! Prices in there i think are a little pricey, service very slow as well when plenty of staff there and not many people to see to/serve overall.

Good for a little snack, cake or a coffee just a shame it’s not dog friendly as this stops us even going in to get a takeaway coffee.

The food here is excellent and of good quality . Can’t say the same for the service unfortunately. The chef and waitresses are surly and bad tempered and clearly don’t have a good rapport with each other let alone the customers. Just get a negative vibe from them which is quite unpleasant

Ate here on a Friday morning. It was not too busy and got a seat. The staff at the counter were helpful.

Met friends here for a birthday get together and to be honest felt that the value just wasn't there. Very tasty cakes but over priced.

Went here for a coffee and some breakfast. Coffee was mediocre and over priced. They didn't seem to know what they were doing either. I was put off the food as it was in an open display on a hot summer day - however, this weather is exceptional so not their fault. It was just standard.

This is a small bakery/cafe. Conditions are somewhat cramped when the cafe is busy, and it was when we visited. Bakery goods were lovely, good leaf tea, and great tasting coffee. Staff were pleasant and prices very reasonable.

We really like the cakes and savoury pastries but are really fed up with the counter service to the point now that if there is more than 2 queuing we will walk away. The problem is there is usually only 1 person serving and it is the same person taking eat-in and take away orders. It just takes ages.

Newly opened, I think. Nice, clean appearance with prompt service at the counter.

First visit and will definitely be back. Coffee was good and had a delicious crust less quiche for lunch. Pleasant surrounding. Good.

Loved this place! I’m so glad they have a Gail’s in St Albans. The coffee was lovely and my brunch was even better. Hardly any tables but it was nice and cosy. Would 100% return!

Since the Merchant Tea Company has been closed, I haven't come across a nice cafe. I visited Gail's a few days ago with a friend. The coffee served was really good. They have a great selection of freshly baked products as well. Only downside is that it does get busy so you can wait a while for an available seat and tables are very tight together.

I don't make a habit of writing reviews but after seeing the average rating I was compelled to add 5 * This place is superb. I have the thick hot chocolate and a pastry most Sundays and I haven't found anywhere better cycling all over West Herts. Yes it's a bit hipster (!) and it can get busy but that goes with the territory when you are a business with a bright future.

Gails has turned a down-and-out corner of St Albans into something considerably better.

This is a coffee and cake shop well located near to the Clock Tower in St Albans. The bakery is comfortable and nicely decorated although it can get busy. There are some super looking pastries and cakes available to eat with your rather well presented coffee. Very nice.

We popped into Gail's for the first time in October after a street food festival to get out of the cold and warm ourselves up with some drinks. We ordered a coffee and a pot of tea. Walked straight to the till to order and the lady serving us seemed to be smirking and I couldn't for the life of me think why. The ambience within the coffee shop is warm and cosy, but the staff's attitude was rather cold. The food displayed (pastries etc) looked good but is not covered so there were tiny flies hovering over them, which isn't very appealing to me. We sat down near the window and people-watched until our drinks were brought to us. The floor beneath my feet was a bit grimy but it was nearing the end of the day. Our drinks were hot and we stayed until a little before closing time so they could pack up early if need be. Staff just seemed to be wandering around the store with no expression on their faces like they couldn't be bothered to be there. The atmosphere could be made better by staff displaying some level of friendliness that actually makes customers want to come back.

Came here a year ago and enjoyed my coffee so called again. Quality still good and had a very nice chocolate Cooke. Prices ok for town centre location. Very pleasant interior.

It is ridiculous banning dogs from even entering the shop whilst you grab a take out coffee, they’ve allowed it for years and have just introduced this backward ban even though you have children and humans coughing and touching the food displayed! Will not be going back

Whether it's just coffee and cake or soup,even take away pleasures .They are friendly people who work there .But the soup on a cold day is delicious .I give myself reasons to just pop in .I go into st.Albans most weeks .and pop in

Have been in twice now. Range of cakes, scones etc very good BUT very pricey and service drastically needs improving.

Visited this sunday morning was empty, always a warning sign.

This bakery has the potential to be amazing. The food, if slightly overpriced, is normally delicious, as are the drinks. The cafe itself is quaint and charming. However the service is shocking - it takes too long to serve the number of customers the bakery attracts. The waitstaff are pleasant and courteous but there are just not enough of them. On my last visit, my Chai Latte was great, but too much cinnamon powder was added on top - I wonder if it was rushed at the end because of the lack of staff! My pain aux raisin on my last visit was also not on the bakery's usual form. However I'm going to keep coming back in hope that things change for the better :)

First of all, there is no doubting the bread, coffee and cakes here are absolutely magnificent.. However the experience gets spoilt with the service of certainly lack of it. Attention to detail like making sure tables are clean and just smiling at customers.

Perfect place for coffee and cake, always delicious and I can highly recommend the layered carrot cake, so good!

This proved to be a nice, but slightly pricey, place to meet up for lunch. There was an excellent range of imaginative food - both savoury and sweet - and beverages. Although the counter was pretty busy the atmosphere was pleasant and relaxing, and the service was good.

It was very busy when I arrived but they found me a table. My waitress was very friendly and quick to serve me. Nice coffee and great cakes. Not cheap though.

If you want to pay expensive prices and then watch someone take over 5 minutes to make a take away espresso (almost deliberately making you wait), then come here. Food uncovered on the counter with flies too. Overall, definitely one to avoid when St Albans has plenty of places to get coffee/pastry.

I have visited Gail's on many occasions as I live in St Albans but they really need to get their act together!! The food and drinks are more expensive than say Nero's but I still go there as there is a nice choice of savoury and sweet foods plus nice drinks but it is so much more expensive.!! On Saturday 2nd September I went in there and ordered and paid for a pot of tea and a piece of cake - it took 20 minutes to get my order and I had to ask where it was !! Really .......... also dirty tables, again had to ask for my table to be wiped over. The café is not very big so can't see why they can't cope. Get more staff if you need it. I think I will try one of the many more cafe's in St Albans for a while - shame really.

The coffee here is really good, would definitely recommend the Flat White and get it to go! I am not sure if this is a Gail's thing because I have also experienced the same in the Kings Road branch; but the staff seem quite rigid. You ask for a coffee and they look at you like you have two heads. Last time I checked it was a coffee shop? Besides that it is a nice place to have a coffee.

Our first visit here last weekend. We ordered drinks and cake. There was only one member,of staff serving on this counter, so we paid for this and the drinks duly,arrived once we sat down. The cakes however didn't appear and we had,to ask twice before they appeared and by this time we had finished our drinks. I think the problem is a lack of staff

The cafe was practically empty and we sat outside for 15mins waiting for a cup of tea and coffee. We went in to check where our order was and was told that there was a back log!! There was hardly anyone in the place! We then got our coffee and had to remind the waiter about the cup of tea. My partner had finished his coffee before I received my tea to no apology or explanation!

Despite the lovely food I would not step inside this rude poorly serviced badly managed shop again. Enter at your peril it will spoil your day. And what's more it's very pricy.

What a horrible experience we had today! Firstly walking in to tables full of dirty cups,plates,teapots etc, then having to move seats around to actually get somewhere to sit that was remotely clear and clean, then waiting 20 mins for a pot of tea and food, no preparation needed, just literally putting on a plate! The poor girl rushing around trying to do everything was new and on a trial, I really hope she either gets more support or leaves! We actually watches 6 couples walk in and straight back out due to, mess and nowhere to sit!

We have visited Gail's many times and every time the food is delicious but the service is slow and the floor is always dirty.

Staff really haven't got a clue about service. Like most branches of Gail's the seating layout and counter service system could be described as haphazard at best

Slow and uncoordinated. There's so much choice in St Albans, go somewhere else where your custom is valued.

The food is lovely but not worth the inflated prices due to the poor service. I stood in a queue for 10 minutes and when I eventually ordered I waited another 20 minutes for our food to be served. Not very complicated - just sausage rolls and scrambled eggs and a couple of coffees and cookies for the kids. Even then the food did not all arrive at the same time and waited a further 7 minutes for my daughters cookie to arrive - which they had forgotten and only brought after we had reminded the waiting staff twice! We will not be returning - very disappointed

The space the restaurant is in is just far too small for the amount of tables they're trying to cram in here. It's loud, unclean and the staff look like they want to just go home!

This is a large coffee shop with plenty of space. Coffee is average but there is a good selection from the bakery which is a reason for returning

A quick pitstop on market day, we had cappuccino and cakes and were not disappointed. We'll definitely be back.

Sad to see the staff and the manager turn away a young Asian family few weeks ago when they were asked to put the baby's buggy o/s in the cold rain, and they refused. Other families had their's inside and when this was pointed out, the manager simply asked them to leave.

I visited with a friend for tea and cake during a shopping trip - the counter display is amazing and there is so much choice. Blueberry muffins highly recommended - would definitely return.

One of my friends took to Gail's for the first time after she had told me how good the coffee and fresh bread was. I was certainly not disappointed!

This cafe is quite popular so the limited seating is quickly filled. It's not a place to go for a quick coffee if you are short of time as service is not speedy. The baked goods are delicious. I can recommend the crustless quiche.

The food looked nice on the counter but terrible service! My mocha tasted awful. Service slow & lady on till not very friendly. Floors needed a good sweep too & tables were slow to be cleared. Expensive too!

I am really disappointed with Gail's. I have eaten there three times now wanting it to be good but the service is awful, it's cramped and on two occasions I've had to clear my own table.

Our experience at Gail's differs from the other reviews on here. Service was speedy and coffee was great. A variety of coffees were drunk - macchiato, flat white and Americano. All very good, cost just a touch more than a tenner. Will return next time we're in St A's.