Review: Reporter Mirek tries new GAIL’s Bakery in Newbury

“Not another café,” cried some critics when the news first broke that a GAIL’s Bakery was joining Newbury town centre, writes Mirek Gosney.

And they weren’t wrong. There are now a dozen cafés along The Broadway, Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street alone, including this one.

With caffeinated beverages aplenty, no wonder all the cyclists on the high street are so fast.

So, what separates GAIL’s from the rest? I went along at peak time on market day to find out.

Before placing my order, I couldn’t help admiring the recently renovated grand interior – the setting plays a big part.

The building once housed the historic Midland Bank.

We toured its vaults and maze of corridors and rooms before the bakery opened on July 18 – most closed off to the public for years.

Pretty awesome.

I then chose the Pastrami Sandwich (£8.10) from the second part of GAIL’s new summer menu, the Caramel, Banana and Pecan Cake (£4.90), an Iced Flat White (£4.10) and a Wildpress Apple Juice (£4.80).

If it’s the price which puts you off, while GAIL’s may be more expensive, its prices aren’t wildly different to other high street chains in Newbury.

A roll, cake, iced coffee and juice cost me just over £20, roughly £5 more than similar items from Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger and Caffè Nero.

The seeded bread was crunchy and aromatic and packed with thick tasty slices of pastrami (cured meat).

As a half Slav, I’m not adverse to a bit of pickle, so welcomed the slightly sharp combo of the mustard and pickled cucumber.

On the whole, a hearty and filling meal.

The cake also went down well. The biscuit was soft with a lingering scent and aftertaste of cinnamon.

Never trust anyone who dislikes cinnamon, the old adage goes (probably).

Overall, what some may see as a gentrified assault, others will see as a stylish attempt to revamp the town centre.

So, why not go along and decide for yourself?