It’s the age old debate that has only intensified in this economic climate – the battle between local independent cafes, coffee shops and bakeries, and the chains we see up and down the country.
And now, in light of the news that two more Gail’s bakeries will soon be opening in Bristol, Reddit users have shared their thoughts and feelings on such businesses in Bristol – and what it could mean for local independents. In a post on the Bristol sub-Reddit, users shared opinions around the upcoming openings.
The initial post read: “As someone that loves Bristol’s independent coffee shops, seeing this chain opening two more stores is really starting to make my teeth itch. It was bad enough having Costa and Nero in the area but now Gail’s are really taking over. I fear for the independent businesses that make Bristol, Bristol.”
This led to much debate between Bristol locals and those that have shopped in Gail’s in other parts of the country. Some believed that chains were ‘taking over’ the Bristol bakery and coffee shop scene, while others argued that independents wouldn’t be impacted so long as people opted to spend their money with them rather than the big chains and brands.
One comment read: “I’m avoiding Gail’s, although based on its success in London I suspect it’s here to stay.”
To which a second said: “Yeah they’re everywhere in London now. Seems like pretty much every high street now has a Gail’s and at least one Pret and don’t even get me started on those Joe and the Juice places. I can only pray that their £10 juice never blackens a Bristol street.”
A third commented: “The corporations behind these companies are the issue, they’re all about destroying local businesses until they’re no more. It’s the marketing that kills me, using words like local, passionate etc…they’re just full of it.”
And a fourth wrote: “I’d never heard of it but I’ll avoid now, thanks for the heads up – if I want a Greggs I’ll go to Greggs and if I want summat posh I’ll go to the independents!”
Despite the arguments against the openings, there were many defending how sometimes it all comes down to familiarity when people are looking for a quick and easy place to grab a coffee, sandwich or pastry. Some even argued that local independents needed to be more ‘consistent’ in quality in order for people to choose to return time and time again.
One comment argued: “People can still support local places if they want, there is no requirement to go to Gail’s just because one opens.”
A second added: “Supply and demand I guess. For the majority of people, being independent is not enough. I support them where I can, and rather make my own coffee than have one in a chain, but the number of times I have had burned, generic brew at an independent café is insane. People value consistency, and buying from a chain is always the same.”
A third echoed: “Quality is also a huge issue with independent cafés.” While a fourth made reference to a beloved old local bakery chain that closed its doors back in 2002, and joked: “Never heard of ’em, I’ll stick to Mountstevens.”
The first Gail’s bakery in the region opened in May on Clifton’s Regent Street, with queues out the door on its opening day. At the time, it announced its partnership with two local charities – Feed The Homeless and Loaves and Fishes.
Any baked goods left in the bakery cafe at the end of each day, the cafe said, will be given away to help feed those in need and there’s much talk of getting local schools involved in learning all about the baking industry and nutrition as a whole. The bakery announced it would also champion several south west producers, such as Shipton Mill flour, Quicke’s dairy and biodiversity champion Wildpress.
Two more Gail’s bakeries are set to open in Bristol – the first on College Green as early as February, and the second on Whiteladies Road.
What are your thoughts when it comes to local independents versus chains? Let us know by emailing [email protected].