Newly-opened Gail’s on Watford High Street has been causing a stir with its fine pastries and quality array of hot drinks – so I visited for lunch to see what all the fuss is about.

Boasting a 4.4-star Google Reviews rating and with many positive comments about its atmosphere and offering, there’s a lot of positivity about the bakery which opened its doors on 25 October.

But, as the Watford Observer reported, there has been criticism of its perceived high prices, a comment repeated across its 130 or so UK branches.

On a clear Friday lunchtime, I went to check it out and find out the truth about the High Street’s newest inhabitant.

(Image: Matthew Evans)

The review:

Having spent the morning interviewing the good people of Watford, I went into this picturesque building with quite the appetite.

The first thing I noted was the atmosphere. It’s comfortable, almost that of a family living room. There are couples on dates, old friends catching up and people using the space to work.

The lighting is soft, and the music is quiet; customers talk but they don’t shout and any loud noise – cutlery being dropped for instance – causes the same disturbance as a car backfiring on the street.

With a fine range of croissants, sandwiches and other lunchtime options, it took me more time than usual to make a decision, something the polite staff were more than happy to indulge.

In the end I plumped for a ham, cheese and leek quiche and a parmesan chicken roll (I said I was hungry!), with a filter coffee to wash it down.

(Image: Matthew Evans) Heading to the counter, I was prepared for a bit of a shock, and it didn’t disappoint. Fifteen pounds! Enough for three pints of lager (at some places) and almost the same as an American at Pizza Express.

Even so both items were delicious, surely made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection.

The chicken was sizeable and filled the roll – not always the case at other bakeries – and the chili sauce carried just the right amount of kick, giving it a flavour that was strong but didn’t overwhelm.

For me, though, the quiche was the highlight, with a solid base (no soggy bottom as Paul Hollywood might say) and a deliciously creamy cheese filling. My only complaint is that I’d have liked it to be a bit warmer but, out of the two, I would certainly recommend it.

(Image: Matthew Evans) The filter coffee was warm and filled to the brim. Yet, at £3.20, I couldn’t help but think that I could have got three of the same type from Pret a Manger, though admittedly the latter’s scorching, stronger variety is less kind to my tongue.

On a final point, it was clean, fitting its modern, spacious set up. There are few crumbs on the floor and my plate was cleared only a few minutes after I had finished.

Conclusion:

The food is lovely and it’s a place where I could easily spend an afternoon working, reading or chatting.

(Image: Matthew Evans) However, I wouldn’t go every day for lunch. For one, my wallet would stage a revolt at such extravagance, and secondly the food is just too rich to enjoy on a regular basis.

Even so, if you want a special Friday treat or a place to meet a friend, this could be the destination for you.