Famous bakery Gail’s has confirmed that it will be expanding into the north of England for the first time, as owners reveal plans to open not one, not two but three new cafes in and around Manchester.
Already well known and loved by its customers in the south of England, now the team is eyeing up new sites for its neighbourhood craft bakeries right on our doorstep.
Having confirmed that the first northern location for Gail’s will open in Wilmslow this February, it has also been revealed that the bakery has its eye on two Greater Manchester locations: with a city centre bakery planned for the former White Stuff unit on King Street, and a third set to open on Shaw’s Road in Altrincham.
Whilst no official date has been set for the King Street and Altrincham openings, The Manc understands that these are both expected to open in the early part of 2023 – so we shouldn’t have too long to wait.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
The bakery group already has strong ties with Manchester, having run its sister wholesale bakery The Bread Factory – which supplies bread to some of Manchester’s premium restaurants, cafes and bars – in Openshaw since 2017.
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Now, it’s looking to add a customer-facing presence by bringing its popular coffee shop-style bakery-cafes to Greater Manchester for the very first time.
Here, Mancs will be able to get their hands on all manner of treats: from its range of sourdough breads (including a ‘wasteless’ loaf made with breadcrumb leftovers), to cakes, pastries, sandwiches and more.
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Gail’s CEO Tom Molnar told The Manc: “What an amazing city Manchester is, I mean it’s so creative – I’d love London to be as creative as Manchester is.
“We’re really excited about opening up in Manchester, we’ve been there for about six years now, is that right, um, when we bought this little tiny bakery that an older couple had.
“They’d had it for like 35 years, they were ready to retire, and we were like ‘oh that’s a great opportunity for us to go in’.
“We were trying to continue what they were doing a little bit but the whole idea was to um, to bring like, they were like an old school bakery, […] and they were ready to retire but it was a great space for us and since then we’ve added a bunch of units there and we’re serving chefs, because that’s what we know, that’s the core of the business, is to be serving top chefs.”
First formed in the early 1990s as a wholesale-only operation, Gail’s opened its first cafe on Hampstead High Street in 2005.
Today the brand has over 70 sites spread across London, Oxford, Brighton and further afield, and is known more as a customer-facing cafe and bakery whilst The Bread Factory continues the company’s original wholesale legacy.
All its goodies are baked fresh throughout the day, with any unsold items donated to local charities each evening to help local people in need. When Gail’s opens in the north later this year, it will partner with Fare Share and Eat Well Manchester to give back to its new neighbours wherever possible.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
News
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
News
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Georgina Pellant -
19th January 2023 
