GAIL's Bakery Witney — Restaurant in West Oxfordshire

I was excited to go to Gail's with my good friend on a last minute trip to Witney because it has a bit of a fancy reputation, if you know what I mean. I was sadly disappointed. Let me explain.

Firstly, when we breezed in to the cafe, it was very unclear where we should stand to place our order. The counter was LONG and none of it immediately screamed 'stand here'. Now I don't know about you, but I like to know where I am. I need someone to scream about where to stand. No one needs another existential crisis on a Bank Holiday Monday.

Secondly, though the staff were clearly capable and kind human beings, communication was limited. They took our names, but didn't say what for. They did not tell us where the drinks would appear, or whether we should sit down. So we loitered. Awkwardly. And once more began to spiral into crises. Where am I meant to BE? What do I DO?

Eventually, for fear of a complete spin out, we made our way to a table and waited nervously. We sat among the huge pot plants which was not at all unpleasant. I hurt my neck constantly looking back over my shoulder to see if we were doing the right thing. Hypervigilance hurts. I just needed a little reassurance, a little welcoming.

Then, cutting through the din of the cafe, I heard my name being called. It was a huge relief. Someone was telling me where to be. I answered the call. We were handed our enormous metal trays, too big to fit on our tiny table. We unloaded our provisions.

The cake looked amazing. A fruit and custard tart. I'm not sure if you know this, but custard is the nectar of the gods. I drank, or ate, and - well - it was dry. Nuff said.

So overall a very 3 star experience. We all need to feel welcomed, affirmed and held from time to time. Even in a Gail's. The foundations are there Gail's, just a few tweaks and you'd be there. I...

I have been to Gail's in Witney upwards of 20 times now so i feel like i'm in a good place to write this review.

Firstly, the food is incredible. There's something for everyone, any diet, whether you want a healthy bite or a treat. The cinnamon buns are always to die for, the soup of the day is always delicious and perfect for these winter months. Their vegan sandwich specials are DIVINE and it upsets me when they get discontinued at the end of seasons.

Secondly, the staff are some of the best. They're always kind and patient, answering my many questions and putting up with me coming in almost every day. They work so hard. Special shout out to Alicia who always looks swept of her feet and so busy, but with such a smile on her face.

Slightly on the more expensive side, you might argue, but the product is better and the ethics are there. If you want your farmers, milkman, coffee pickers and roasters and your staff to get paid fair wages, you need to realise Costa's £3 for a cappuccino is unrealistic and someone is being short-chained.

i LOVE Gail's. Especially the Witney branch and this will continue to be...

Absolutely awful. If this was my first experience of Gail’s, I would certainly NOT be making a return visit to any of their stores. We arrived at about 2pm on Saturday, to find the place filthy. Floor covered in food and crumbs, clearly it has not been cleaned since opening. The toilet was revolting, with dirty wet marks on the floor. Also, our coffee was very unpleasant, I left mine, it tasted as though the group heads on the machine had not been cleaned and was bitter and unpalatable. This is not an example of what Gail’s is like. The management should take a trip over to the Stratford upon Avon branch, which we regularly visit, to see how cleanliness and good service is maintained. We will never return to the Witney branch. It has the most miserable and depressing feel, with ugly views of the work prep area, and large walls infront of most seating. We couldn’t wait to escape. If I could award NO...