Gail's Development of the Brick House - planning permission?

[Cyclemonkey]

I wasn't really aware of Gail's but a few weekends ago I went to Dulwich Gallery and afterwards went to pick up some late lunch to eat in the park. I went to Gail's and the sandwiches on offer were well presented but laughably tiny for the price.

[hellosailor]

Are people talking about the CEO of the Gail?s Group or someone else?

[heartblock]

"Luke Johnson, a former owner of The Ivy and boss of Gail's artisan bakery, said the coronavirus lockdown was threatening the fabric of British society and called for its speedy end. The Vote Leave supporter told TalkRADIO presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer that Britain was 'a frightened society' and in turn 'a failing society' before stressing the country's yearly death toll is usually 650,000"

Tweets by Luke Johnson "Editor of the Lancet Richard Horton should have been fired years ago. He has debased what was once a world class medical journal with his ideological agenda" "As usual, Sky gets it wrong. It was LOCKDOWNS and restrictions which made people homeless - not the pandemic"

[malumbu]

Worrying, do I eat in Wetherspoons or Gails? Maybe I'll toss a coin.

[legalalien]

I hardly go to Gail's as it seems so expensive. But I do like a cheese and chive scone. If anyone can suggest other sources of savoury scones and muffins locally I'll be there.

[Rockets]

It always makes me marvel how people line-up like lemmings outside Gails in the village for overpriced bakery products and rude service yet around the corner sits Au Ciel which is far better in every respect.

[Siduhe]

@legalalien. Little Nest Bakery - micro bakery in Crofton Park does a mean cheese and chive scone for collection on Friday or Saturday. They freeze really well too.

[JohnL]

redpost Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I thought gails was owned through private equity?

>

> https://riskcapitalpartners.co.uk/portfolio/bread-

> holdings-plc/

>

> If true, I will let you all imagine exactly how

> much corporation tax was paid

Luke Johnson (no relation is Chairman) - couldn't resist a Twitter checkout.

[ohthehugemanateeLTN]

heartblock Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> "Luke Johnson, a former owner of The Ivy and boss

> of Gail's artisan bakery, said the coronavirus

> lockdown was threatening the fabric of British

> society and called for its speedy end. The Vote

> Leave supporter told TalkRADIO presenter Julia

> Hartley-Brewer that Britain was 'a frightened

> society' and in turn 'a failing society' before

> stressing the country's yearly death toll is

> usually 650,000"

>

> Tweets by Luke Johnson "Editor of the Lancet

> Richard Horton should have been fired years ago.

> He has debased what was once a world class medical

> journal with his ideological agenda" "As usual,

> Sky gets it wrong. It was LOCKDOWNS and

> restrictions which made people homeless - not the

> pandemic"

Oh man. I wish I didn't know that. He's also giving funding the "Covid Recovery Group" a bunch of anti-lockdown nitwits.

Well, last time I shop at Gail's.

:(

[heartblock]

I might make some cheese and chive scones today...

Yes dear Luke isn't someone I want to give my money to. Spend your cash at small independents or smaller chains with social responsibility.

[Angelina]

Au Ciel is good.

Some people just like what's in front of them, especially if it looks posh - regardless of quality.

[Earl Aelfheah]

I second that on Au Ciel - they're good.

[the_hermit]

https://www.vittlesmagazine.com/p/at-gails-what-is-the-human-cost-behind?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=9mgg&triedRedirect=true

 

It's sad that Gails appears to be the only bakery that opens early (i.e when I want breakfast!)

Edited October 22, 2025 by the_hermit

[mrwb]

A pretty standard private equity operation...

[Angelina]

With the current economic crisis, there are still plenty of people who will pay a fiver for a cake or upwards for a sandwich. Whether that's at Gail's or any other bakery - M&S included.

I've just discovered the M&S Marmite sandwich which is a steal at £2.50 or something. Love their salads too.

I rarely buy cakes - I make lots as I know what's in them, and it's infinitely cheaper

 

[heartblock]

Better to go hungry until lunchtime than give money to Gail’s. 

[Brian up the hill]

Nasty piece of work. Targets locations with a healthy independent presence and farmers’ markets; typical vampire capitalism. Great supporter of a Brexit too. All good reasons to go elsewhere, preferably small independent., 

[CPR Dave]

I've actually met Luke Johnson and he's actually a very amicable, witty and extremely clever man.

He's also created thousands of jobs and generated millions and millions of pounds of tax revenue for the government, offering goods and hospitality that countless millions of people have enjoyed over the decades.

I'm not a fan of Gail's but I'm also not a fan of people who knock down good guys that have contributed a huge amount to this country. 

Anyway, French Patisseries and southern hemisphere coffee don't belong on Farmer's markets. 

[Angelina]

I’d just like local family businesses to not be shut down by big chains, and I think we should support local businesses and our community.

I’m sure they are very nice people who pay their taxes too.