GAIL's Bakery Holborn — Restaurant in London

I can’t say much about the food, as they only offer two vegan options—and even that was a challenge, as the staff seemed completely unaware of what plant-based items they had. They didn’t make any effort to check, so I had to go through the products myself to read the ingredients.

However, the real issue was the staff’s attitude. After finally finding something I could eat, I approached the cashier (a girl with black eyeliner all over her eyelids) and politely ordered a tahini bite. She didn’t hear me, so I repeated myself. She misheard again and said, Oh, a honey cake. I calmly corrected her and repeated no, no, a tahini bite—multiple times, without any frustration on my part as I can understand it is loud inside and things like this happen.

Her response? She rolled her eyes, raised her voice, and snapped, ''Alright, relax. Chill out.''

I was stunned. So was my friend. Then, to top it off, she tossed my food onto the counter as if she couldn’t be bothered. 'Here, pay.' were her words. At that point, I didn’t even want it anymore but I paid and left as I didn't want to make a scene and was truly horrified of what her reaction would be if I refuse it.

This isn’t just about poor service—it’s about basic respect. What if I were allergic to the item she mistakenly tried to give me? And more importantly, how is someone with that attitude allowed to work in customer service? Everyone has bad days, but if you can’t separate your personal frustrations from your job, you shouldn’t be in a customer-facing role.

Honestly, I truly believe she should be having at least a disciplinary meeting with management—if not more. If this were my employee, she would be fired on the spot.

I’ve always loved Gail’s—especially their coffee—and I visit daily and spend 10-20 pounds. But after this experience, I’m seriously reconsidering. I don’t go out to be yelled at or treated...

I thought this was overpriced and just not very good. Coffee was horrible - far too bitter - tasted like it had been pulled too slowly, and that the beans were just not very good to begin with. Probably the worst cup I've had in the area.

The breakfast options were overpriced and just looked mean - avocado rolls were so small that they looked like canapés. Spanakopita tasted almost entirely of baked parmesan - not sure how they managed to lose the taste of the spinach. I am surprised how any bakery could do such a disservice to a simple dish.

Service was fine. Staff were quick to move the Deliveroo cyclist and his massive bag away from the customer waiting area which was appreciated. However, the doorway and staff waiting area was crowded making the place not...

Bad experience with this place today. Had my hands full whilst trying to calm my crying one year old girl, whist ordering a few cold sandwiches with a couple of hot drinks to have in £30. The chap who had made the hot drinks, just left them at the far end of the counter to go cold. Didn’t have the courtesy, common decency or manners to bring them over. The shop was very quiet ! When I told Him me could have brought them over .. he said “you should have asked “ . As sad world a...