Dulwich Gail's bakery will open on Xmas Day in "shameful" move

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

"A user named Daniel added: "Give your staff time off you ghouls." Surrey business hopscotchshoeboutique chimed in with: "I really think for one day of the year the staff should have a day off.""

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gails-bakery-reveals-controversial-christmas-135155096.html

[Earl Aelfheah]

Luke Johnson (prominent director and co-owner), supported Brexit and backed the Vote Leave campaign.

He also described the response to Covid as ‘a campaign of fear’ and in 2020 funded a media consultant for the ‘Covid-recovery group’ of anti-lockdown MPs.

Edited December 22, 2025 by Earl Aelfheah

[Nigello]

Staff get taxis in and out and get paid extra (which I think is x2). Some people like to work on Bank Holidays and others don’t. Some people actively avoid Christmas for personal reasons. Long live freedom of choice! 

[Jenijenjen]

OP has perhaps inadvertently provided free advertising for Gails, drawing attention to Dulwich Gails being open on Christmas Day.

Edited December 22, 2025 by Jenijenjen

[beansprout]

Can’t say I approve but equally staff can vote with their feet. Cabs to collect and deliver - not bad.Maybe Gail’s know something none of us do… Having said that, sure those that are walking in and around Dulwich might prefer cake, hot drinks etc in a venue that is not a pub with the noise from over loud punters… so guess one waits and sees… 

Do take some pics or let us know if people are popping in… my guess is yes… 

[HeadNun]

4 hours ago, Earl Aelfheah said:

Luke Johnson (prominent director and co-owner), supported Brexit and backed the Vote Leave campaign.

He also described the response to Covid as ‘a campaign of fear’ and 2020 funded a media consultant for the ‘Covid-recovery group’ of anti-lockdown MPs.

So what

[Earl Aelfheah]

34 minutes ago, HeadNun said:

So what

Just letting people know about one of it's co-owners political interventions. Take it as you wish.

[Angelina]

Not the only shop open on Lordship Lane, and pubs are open too.

Years ago, when all the shops were closed on Christmas Day, pubs were open. We were always sent to the pub to get out of the way while dinner was cooking.  great that there are options - and I bet some staff are happy to earn extra money.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

[TWB Cat Sitter]

Are we really under the impression that people don't work on Christmas Day?

We're going to be working back-to-back shifts throughout the Christmas holidays, as will many others.

I, for one, am happy to hear Gail's bakery will be open on Christmas Day, as it might just be the closest thing I get to a meal. Great news!

This only serves to highlight how privileged & out of touch with reality some people can be.
 

Echoing the above ♥️:

3 hours ago, Nigello said:

Staff get taxis in and out and get paid extra (which I think is x2). Some people like to work on Bank Holidays and others don’t. Some people actively avoid Christmas for personal reasons. Long live freedom of choice! 

Edited December 22, 2025 by TWB Cat Sitter

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

2 hours ago, Jenijenjen said:

OP has perhaps inadvertently provided free advertising for Gails, drawing attention to Dulwich Gails being open on Christmas Day.

I thoroughly condemn Gail's employment practices as they force workers to slave over a wide selection of freshly-baked delicious products, with a number of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

[Angelina]

you can actually have too many cakes.

[David Peckham]

1 hour ago, Angelina said:

Not the only shop open on Lordship Lane, and pubs are open too.

Years ago, when all the shops were closed on Christmas Day, pubs were open. We were always sent to the pub to get out of the way while dinner was cooking.  great that there are options - and I bet some staff are happy to earn extra money.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

Until the licencing laws changed in the late eighties, pubs were only allowed to open Sunday hours on Christmas Day, so 12 'til 2, and the majority didn't open in the evening unless it was for a 'private party'. But that's another story.

The landlord of my old local used to let everyone double or treble up at last orders so that you could avoid having to watch the Queen's Speech with your Nans at three o'clock.

Dulwich Tandoori is open Christmas Day for those who don't fancy Gail's. 

'Festive Flavours', apparently.

[Peckhampam]

When I managed a large staff group, and workers were needed for Christmas day, there was always a queue of people wanting a shift, for many reasons.  Where is the problem-why is it shameful?

[beansprout]

Now a good curry…yummy… beats slaving over a hot stove, endless potatoes for roasties plus carrots and parsnip peeling.. 

Christmas pudding made with cream or brandy sauce.

when one things about it, obscene the amount of food one consumes on the big day… and then the washing up….

Used to cook for 10 so do know what I am talking about…grant you, nice to have company and friendship but now reached the age when I am quite happy having a curry, wandering around in my PH’s all day and eating, watching, doing what I want when I want..

Think actually that Gail’s staff can’t say no not working… sacked I would think but equally catering for people who might be in Dulwich for the holidays and visiting and in an air b n b.. 

Put of interest, is this the only Gail’s opening? Or are they all opening?

Plenty of other places open on the day… sure cafes in city are open…And of course, always MacDonalds..!!!

 

[Sue]

3 hours ago, HeadNun said:

So what

Well,  I was interested to find that out.

Another reason not to shop there.

[beansprout]

Personally, prefer Romeo Jones… staff consistent as is food! 

[malumbu]

What's Gails?  Is that the global hamburger chain?  Never been.  And not likely to either.  

[beansprout]

Chain of cafe.. upmarket. One in village.. Been there for at least 3 years. On same side of street as detached houses, one which usually opens her garden for charity.

No not burgers, sarnies and cakes, coffee, bread.. eat in or take away.. 

Further down from pub, same side and between pub and Dulwich Picture Gallery…

[Rockets]

21 minutes ago, beansprout said:

Personally, prefer Romeo Jones… staff consistent as is food! 

Which has, unfortunately, closed.

Au Ciel is much better than Gail's.

20 minutes ago, malumbu said:

What's Gails?  Is that the global hamburger chain?  Never been.  And not likely to either.  

Big bakery in the parade of shops near Rocca in Dulwich Village with all the seats outside - you can't miss it. Normally a big queue outside at weekends with walkers and cyclists topping up on carbs and coffee!

[beansprout]

Changing subject, slightly.. what is taking over from what was cheese shop.. ? Next to other parade of shops.. which is on Dulwich Parade .. near bookshop, estate agent and closed for failing health and safety.. fined as well.. please god, not another place selling food.. opposite Court Lane.. 

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

1 hour ago, beansprout said:

Personally, prefer Romeo Jones… staff consistent as is food! 

Do you go there regularly...? Have you been recently...?

[beansprout]

No.. 

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

No news on what will replace the old cheese shop since last week: 

 

[ed_pete]

45 minutes ago, beansprout said:

Changing subject, slightly.. what is taking over from what was cheese shop.. ? Next to other parade of shops.. which is on Dulwich Parade .. near bookshop, estate agent and closed for failing health and safety.. fined as well.. please god, not another place selling food.. opposite Court Lane.. 

Waitrose.

[beansprout]

Seriously? Waitrose?? You having a laugh? Not big enough..

Yea, as pointed out..fined more.. yuk, thought I actually ate cheese there..  

Must be rampant on that parade and accommodation over…