Major excessive avenue meals chain set to open on Christmas Day in transfer branded ‘shameful’
The prestigious bakery chain has announced that it will open 10 of its shops in London on Christmas Day – but the move has been criticised by some social media users
GAIL’s, the upmarket bakery chain, has revealed that 10 of its London -based outlets will be open on Christmas Day, a decision that has sparked some backlash online. Founded in 2005 and boasting locations nationwide, GAIL’s made the announcement via Instagram, stating: “If you’re out and about on Christmas Day, a few of our bakeries will be open.
“A place for a coffee, a loaf or a familiar face on a quiet morning. “And if you stop by, we’ll be giving away a mince pie on us – a small gesture of thanks to anyone spending part of the day with us.”
However, consumer journalist Harry Wallop criticised the move, quipping: “Don’t worry, chaps. Gail’s is open on Christmas Day! For those who cannot survive one sodding day without a matcha latte and expensive cinnamon bun.”
The decision also drew ire from Instagram users, with one user, stef1sal, commenting: “Wow, lovely gesture for the public, but poor staff working a full day.”Another user, Jo, responded: “This is absolutely shameful. Give your staff the day off!”.
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.”
Despite the criticism, there were some who supported the decision. User Andrew Baldwin expressed: “This is a wonderful thing to look forward to,” while user houseundertheoak shared: “This is lovely.”
A spokesperson for GAIL’s stated: “We’re proud to open a limited number of London bakeries in key locations on Christmas Day, to give people who might need it, somewhere warm and welcoming to go.
“This was a voluntary decision made by individual staff members. We recognise that not everyone celebrates Christmas and these teams wanted to be there for their communities.”
The complete roster of the 10 bakeries opening their doors on Christmas Day, along with their operating hours, includes:
- Shaftesbury Avenue, open from 7am to 8pm.
- Long Acre, open from 8am to 4pm.
- Balham, open from 7am to 5pm.
- Greenwich, open from 7am to 5pm.
- Dulwich, open from 10am to 5pm.
- Clapham Old Town, open from 8am to 5pm.
- Blackheath, open from 8am to 5pm.
- Highgate, open from 8am to 3pm.
- Golders Green, open from 8am to 5pm.
- St John’s Wood, open from 8am to 5pm.
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