Gail’s to move into Russell & Bromley’s unit in Harrogate

A TOP bakery has revealed the location of its first cafe in North Yorkshire.

Premium chain Gail’s will be moving into premises at 7 James Street in Harrogate.

The location has been a Russell & Bromley shoe shop for many years.

In January, The Press reported how the future of the well-known British shoe brand was uncertain after a rescue deal was agreed and the company – with more than 150 years of history – was bought by Next.

Next said it would only retain three of its shops – in Chelsea, Mayfair and the Bluewater Shopping Centre – as part of the deal, leaving the fate of the brand’s remaining 33 stores and nine concessions uncertain.

Russell & Bromley store in Harrogate. Google Street View

Media reports have announced that Russell & Bromley has been advertising 20 per cent off products as it prepares to shut its James Street store.

Artisan bakery chain Gail’s confirmed to The Press last week that it will be opening its first store in Yorkshire in the spa town.

It has also been looking for staff for its first cafe in the county.

The well‑known business, which bakes fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, operates more than 170 bakeries across the UK, with expansions in the pipeline.

The company is currently looking for a bakery manager (salary at £42,000 pa), and an assistant manager (at £32,900) – both located in Harrogate – with the jobs listed on its own website and elsewhere online.

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Its locations are primarily in London and the south east, including Oxford and Brighton, as well as Manchester and the surrounding area.

Speculation has been rife online about the company’s planned move into Yorkshire.

Some reports suggested the first Yorkshire site would be in Knaresborough, but the appearance of job adverts for Harrogate pointed in a different direction.

Gail’s began life in London in the1990s as a wholesale supplier to restaurants, before opening its first neighbourhood bakery cafe on Hampstead High Street in London in 2005.

An exterior of one of Gail’s bakery – the business is recruting staff for a new store in Harrogate

The brand has since expanded rapidly – and continues to do so.

Positioning itself as a premium, mid‑range alternative in a market dominated by high‑street chains, Gail’s is known for handmade breads using natural ingredients and longer fermentation methods.

Its range includes sourdough loaves, baguettes and pastries, alongside sweet treats such as buns and cookies, plus speciality coffees.

Its seasonal menu, listed on line, features six varieties of sourdough bread, and sweet treats including a malted chocolate and stout cake, chocolate tahini bite, and pecan crumb cake. The drinks menu boasts a range of match drinks and a turmeric latte.

Often labelled “posh” the chain has built a loyal following for its focus on quality and traditional baking techniques.