Gail’s Bakery, St Albans City is one of many sister bakery’s in and around London. The one we visited was located in the heart of the city centre, along Market Place opposite direction to the town hall, near the medieval clock tower.

Gail Mejia first opened a bakery in the 1990s to bake for the top chefs of London, this was called ‘The Bread Factory’, as it was exclusively for that purpose. It specialised in handmade, traditional artisan baking serving top restaurants and critics. 

Gail’s Bakery

My friends and I stumbled upon this bakery when we were looking for a place to eat. The coffee shop seemed clean, and bright with array of pastries and cakes, which made us salivate.

The coffee shop was continuously packed throughout our lunch experience. Along the front of the bakery they had a couple of tables, which we were lucky enough to grab before it got busier. The weather was a lot warmer and was pleasant enough to sit outside and catch up with friends. We all ordered before sitting, 3 of us ordered the same – Mozzarella, Pesto & Tomato on Sourdough Ciabatta. {Made with nut-free pesto with basil, mint, parsley and garlic} which was only £5.50 to eat in for a big portion. My other friend opted for a different sandwich – Parmesan Chicken on a cream bun. {Free-range chicken coated in a parmesan breadcrumbs with chilli aioli, iceberg lettuce, plum tomatoes and cucumber pickles} which was £6 to eat in and one order of black coffee.

When the sandwiches arrived we happily tucked into them like there was no tomorrow. My Mozzarella, Pesto & Tomato on Sourdough Ciabatta was lightly toasted with a floury crunch and flavoursome. It did however take us a lot longer to eat as my friend who ordered the Parmesan Chicken on a cream bun had devoured hers by the time us 3 had finished. She commented that the bun was light and delicious, and thought the pickled cucumber went well with the flavours.

We did not stay much longer as the weather was turning colder, but I would recommend Gail’s Bakery and I would love to go back and try their cakes! The service was pleasant, they didn’t seem to rush me when I was deciding on what to eat. Their opening hours are daily from 8am to 6pm.