Latest news with #GAIL's
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Peta rail against Gail's Bakery for ‘discriminatory' extra charges for non-dairy milk
Animal rights charity Peta has launched a campaign calling for bakery Gail's to drop its 'discriminatory' extra charges on plant-based milk. It claims the surcharge is unfair for customers who are lactose intolerant or who are opting to drink plant milk for ethical reasons. The upmarket bakery charges 40p to 60p extra for alternatives to cow's milk such as soya, oat, almond and coconut milk. One in three Britons now drink plant-based milk and one in 10 UK adults are also lactose intolerant, but many cafes charge extra for milk alternatives. Peta claimed on its website that Gail's is 'falling behind industry standards' and added that customers should not have to pay more to make 'animal-friendly' and 'sustainable choices'. It added that 'cow's milk should be more expensive to accurately reflect the true cost to animals and the planet'. Peta added that it is concerned the extra cost could deter customers from choosing plant-based milk over cow's milk and urged the bakery to make the milks the same price. The charity explained that in the dairy industry, calves are taken from their mothers so that milk can be produced and sold. It added that the dairy industry contributes to the climate crisis because emissions from farming cows are the primary source of the greenhouse gas methane, which like carbon dioxide, warms the atmosphere. 'GAIL's is milking customers who care about animals and the planet by offering a discount on re-useable cups but still charging extra for plant milk,' Peta Vice President of Vegan Projects Dawn Carr said. ' Dairy milk is an environmental disaster, cruel to cows, and bad for human health. We're calling on the company to ditch the upcharge and encourage all conscious coffee drinkers to join PETA's campaign.' Pret a Manger stopped charging extra for plant-based milks in the UK in 2020 after calls from animal rights advocates. Starbucks has also not charged extra for vegan milks since 2022 and there is also no extra cost at Leon and Joe and the Juice for dairy-free alternatives. At Costa Coffee and Cafe Nero soya milk is free, but oat and coconut milk are an additional 45p at both cafes. There is also an 'ultimate blend' plant-based milk alternative at Costa which costs 35p. Peta has also called for these charges to be dropped. Gail's has been contacted for a comment. The bakery has faced backlash for its expansion plans. It first opened in Hampstead, north-west London, in 2005, but since 170 branches have opened across the UK.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Real excitement' as GAIL's finally opens in Prestwich following controversial start
It's 10am and by first assumptions, the arrival of GAIL's in Prestwich this morning (Friday, February 7) has gone without much fanfare. There's no queues outside, there's little noise on the streets and people are easy to idly pass by without even a second glance. But inside, it's a very different story. Each table is packed out and as soon as one is cleared, another is immediately snapped up by families, co-workers and even Prestwich's mayor as they all enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a pastry. Taking over the former NatWest bank on Bury New Road, the arrival of the artisan chain - its first north Manchester bakery - has not been without its controversy. Independent businesses owners feared it would impact on local trade, and then there was the whole awkward blunder of forgetting the T in Prestwich. READ MORE: Owners respond to complaints after closure of Ryan Giggs' Worsley restaurant George's READ MORE: 'After 11 years, we're unfortunately joining the independent businesses calling it a day' But it's a new day, it's a new year and, however you look at it, Prestwich now has a GAIL's. But there's certainly an electric atmosphere within the café with croissants - savoury or sweet - as well as cakes, sandwiches, salads and iced coffees all being scooped up just as quickly as the tables. 'I didn't imagine it'd be this busy,' one worker tells a woman in line. 'We're almost running out of food,' she jokes before a chef arrives with a huge tray full of freshly-baked almond croissants ready to restock the counter. The new site has been given a light and breezy aesthetic, expanding out its former bank layout but retaining its original 4.5m high ceilings. Taking inspiration from the 'diverse economic and architectural elements which characterise the surrounding areas', there are many nods to the town's weaving manufacturing history. Using a 'simple' palette, the space also features steel cladding, scaffolding poles and task lights to further pay into the industrial roots of Prestwich and its significance in the Victorian era. 'I think it looks brilliant,' local resident Rebecca Hughes tells the M.E.N as she waits in line to order a mid-morning treat for herself and her mum. 'I really love what they've done with the place, they've really opened it out.' She adds: 'It just fell into convenience that we're here on the first day, but we are both very excited to have a GAIL's here in Prestwich. There is a lot of hope around here that it will bring more people to the area which will also help the other amazing businesses here. I think it's great for Prestwich.' On the menu side of things, there is much to recognise and enjoy if you have ever been to GAIL's before. The morning rotation includes cinnamon buns, cheese straws, sausage rolls and ham and cheese croissants, whilst lunchtime service includes focaccia sandwiches, parmesan chicken buns, beetroot, lentil and goat's cheese salad pots, and a very delightful and comforting chicken, tarragon and ham pie slice. There's also flourless chocolate cakes, cookies, the very decadent sea salt caramel, banana and pecan cake, and Soho buns - a type of small cream-filled delight laced with dark chocolate. There's, of course, plenty of coffee as well as matcha, tea, and juices to drink up too. In addition to its in-store options, which can be ordered to dine-in or take-out, there's also a mini shop featuring loaf cakes, cheese biscuits, crackers, jams, honey and coffee all packaged up and ready to be bought to take home too. The chain, which first started life in London in the early 1990s, is now part of more than 140 different neighbourhoods across the UK, including sites in the city centre, Altrincham, Didsbury and Wilmslow. The proof will be in the pudding as to how GAIL's manages to fit into the diverse and lively neighbourhood of Prestwich, but its first open morning is already a strong indication that residents are prepared to welcome it in. GAIL's is on 463 Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 1AB.
