GAIL’S Bakery is launching an ambitious expansion plan to open 40 new stores across England over the next year, with the programme scheduled to complete by around February 2026. The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to grow well beyond its London heartland, targeting towns and cities where strong demand and attractive high-street sites are emerging.

Following a year in which GAIL’S opened 36 new cafés, the planned 40-store rollout will take the business to approximately 185 sites across the UK. The openings are expected to be completed over the next 12–15 months.

The expansion prioritises locations outside London, including market towns, commuter belts, and regional cities, building on previous moves into the South West and North West. The company is also exploring non-traditional sites such as transport hubs, and frequently repurposing vacant retail premises, including former bank branches, to bring its cafés closer to local communities.

GAIL’S reported sales of approximately £278 million in the year to February 2025, up around 20% from the previous year. The retail bakery arm has driven much of this growth, outperforming the wholesale division. Despite widening pre-tax losses of £7.8 million—attributed to investment in new stores and rising staff and energy costs—the company views the expansion as a strategic move to scale the business and improve long-term profitability.

Company leadership describes GAIL’S as still in the early stages of its growth journey. Even after this programme, the business will operate fewer than 250 sites, well below larger chains such as Greggs or McDonald’s. Backed by private equity and with a reported valuation of around £500 million, GAIL’S aims to leverage current high-street conditions, including increased availability of units and landlord incentives, to accelerate its growth towards a medium-term sales target of £300 million and a broader national presence.