Popular bakery chain Gail’s has delighted many “buzzing” shoppers after opening in Watford last week – but there is one common gripe.

Sweet treat connoisseurs wasted little time visiting the High Street shop following its unveiling at Diva's former unit on Friday (October 25).

The upmarket British chain has opened over 100 branches nationwide, including in St Albans, Radlett and Berkhamsted, but not always without controversy.

 Watford Gail'sWatford Gail's (Image: Stephen Danzig)

In Watford, overall reaction has been largely positive, with many complimenting its “lovely” offering and saying it has injected life into the area.

“It is a bakery and a very nice addition,” one wrote on social media. “I was in town recently and it’s certainly got a bit of a buzz about it again.” Another said they were “so excited” and “literally buzzing”.

A Watford Observer Facebook post on the news also garnered approaching 200 likes, as word of the opening left fans “over the moon”.

Watford Gail'sWatford Gail's (Image: Stephen Danzig) However, although mostly welcomed, Gail’s pricing has come in for regular criticism.

“Won’t go again,” a disgruntled customer said. “£6 for five mini muffins the size of £2 coin.” Another added: “Nice but ridiculously overpriced. Over £4 for a loaf of bread.”

“Just seen prices £17 for six pain au chocolat,” someone else wrote, with one sarcastic contributor saying “yay £8 loaves of bread all round”.

Watford Gail'sWatford Gail's (Image: Stephen Danzig)

In August, Gail’s hit headlines elsewhere as hundreds of residents in Walthamstow, north-east London, reportedly backed a petition to block it opening amid fears for independent cafes.

Concerns were also raised in Worthing over plans to open within a conservation area, as "gentrification" claims were levelled at the chain.

At the time, Gail’s co-founder Tom Molnar hit back, telling The Times: “We build small sites so they are a part of a diverse high street, so whenever I build a Gail’s I think I think what it would be like if I was a resident here.

“I'd encourage people to look at what we're trying to do, rather than taglines. There's good independents and bad, and good chains and bad chains.”

Gail's won the 'best coffee shop/ café group' award at the MCA Hospitality Awards in 2024.

Watford Gail'sWatford Gail's (Image: Stephen Danzig) Watford Gail'sWatford Gail's (Image: Stephen Danzig)