New bakery planned for empty unit on Stratford High Street

Gail’s, which has around 130 branches across the country, has put forward plans to take over the former Jack Wills unit.

The bakery business was originally formed in the 1990s by Gail Mejia to supply London restaurants while the first public-facing bakery opened in Hampstead High Street in 2005.

According to the company’s website, Gail’s bakes “fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend speciality coffee.”

Branches of Gail’s have seating areas inside while some also have tables and chairs outside.

The firm has submitted plans to Stratford District Council to add its branding on the outside of the building, which is 6-7 High Street.

Earlier this year, the managing director of Gail’s Marta Pogroszewska said the business was aiming to open 35 new branches in the UK this year.

The Stratford opening will be a boost for the High Street which has a number of empty units, including the former Jack Wills, Joules and Blacks all on one side of the street. On the opposite side, the former Bodyshop unit remains empty as does Debenhams, although demolition work ahead of a hotel development is due to start this summer.

The former Hathaway Tea Rooms shop is being converted into a jewellers.