I use the Wallace and Gromit analogy to describe the service at Gail’s. When you feel you must be careful not to order too much, everything looks very inviting but I always worry if I have enough money in my bank. The queue always so long with people tutting behind you if you take too long taking your turn. It reminds me of moving through a machine that tips you out of bed into your pants and then plops you at the table ready for breakfast, except Gails tantalises your taste buds with gorgeous ready made cakes and pastry, has it packed in bags before you can blink an eye and then the extoriant bill is presented before you can say actually I had no idea I could have spent so much on four or five items.

There are things I love about Gails Bakery namely the food, although I did buy 4 hot cross buns the other day that looked delicious, glazed and enticing and ending up being quite heavy, flavourless and underwhelming but in the most part the food never disappoints, why I’ve been returning more and more of late.

There’s usually a queue which does attest to the popularity of not just the take out but the eat in cafe as well where the coffee and hot chocolate is served barista style with aplomb, for a price and the hot soup, sandwiches and cakes make it an easy choice for a catch up with friends, if you don’t want a proper sit down lunch. Sort of the poor relation to Panzers deli across the road where the offering is similar, Kosher and the prices higher. Although for reference not technically certified Kosher they do offer a lot of Kosher products.

The downsides of Gails Bakery, it’s expensive if £10 for a coffee and a cake isn’t your norm. Four croissants or danish pastries to go and you won’t see much change from a £20 note, except they don’t accept cash.

Every time I go in they ask me about whether I am using their app. Does that wind you up too? More and more places just seem hell bent to get you on their app.

This visit I said maybe I needed to get it, so I asked if the food was cheaper if you use the app. No the lady told me. It’s a points based system. She said you have to collect 9 points, one per visit to get a loaf of bread at the end. I don’t often buy bread so not worth the bother for me.

I am totally addicted to the Rhubarb and custard danish pastries. Glistening pink slivers of fresh rubber on a cushion of vanilla creme anglaise enveloped in a crispy crumbly pastry case. Cost £5.40 I know extravagant but these are totally irresistible, worth queuing for. I eat mine in the street most days as you have to pay an additional £0.60 to eat in.

It’s London luxury for you. Whilst Gail’s say everyone is welcome in their shops and they are all about community, like many shops in the neighbourhood they don’t take cash, so the lady who sells the big issue on the corner, I have to purchase on her behalf. I guess allowing customers to pay by cash literally stops them over spending.

Like I say the food is really good. Not 100% convinced on the “giving back” community ethics. I’d say more marketing than reality.