It will become the chain’s third Bristol branch
Gail’s on College Green now has branding and a sign all aglow(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
Another Gail’s bakery and cafe venue in Bristol looks set to open tomorrow (Thursday, September 4). The College Green branch will be located in the former home of music store Fopp, which closed its doors back in 2019.
The new Gail’s location, which will be third in the city, was delayed for months. It had originally been due to open on May 1, but this was moved to July 3 and then pushed back again.
Speaking with BristolLive, a spokesperson for Gail’s said in July: “We are looking to open the bakery in early September but will be able to confirm an exact opening date closer to the time.”
They did not give any further details around what had caused delays at this time. In response to a reviewer on Google, who was disappointed to find the site closed upon arrival, Gail’s wrote: “Unfortunately, the opening of our bakery has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we look forward to welcoming you in soon!”
Gail’s has been contacted for confirmation of the new opening date but as of September 3, the College Green page of the Gail’s website still reads: “We will open our neighbourhood bakery in Bristol College Green on 4th of September 2025. Serving GAIL’s artisan sourdough breads, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes alongside our specialty House Blend coffee.”
This week lights on the store front have been aglow and awnings and other signage are in place. The site has been progressing since last month, when BristolLive reported that workers were still on site getting the venue ready, with the signage and branding yet to be fitted and equipment still visible inside.
Gail’s College Green as of September 1, 2025(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
Following its first Bristol location – and that of the South West – in Clifton Village, which opened in 2024, Gail’s has since opened a second site on Whiteladies Road, in the former home of the Little Dobbies garden centre.
The national brand, which is known for its artisan sourdough bread as well as pastries, sandwiches, cakes and speciality house blend coffee, will boast an eat-in area similar to its other Bristol bakeries at this new location.
Gail’s will also be serving up a selection of jams, spreads, crackers, biscuits, coffee, cured meats, cloth-bound cheddar, butter, eggs, and even a selection of gifts – all of which can be purchased in store.
The most recent Gail’s Bristol venue opened in February, just months after the popular high street bakery chain marked the opening of its first venue in the South West.
The already existing Clifton site, which has been open for a year on Regent Street as of this May, saw out-of-the-door queues on its opening day, as the people of Bristol came along to show their support and welcome this popular name to the city.
The bakery has championed several South West producers, such as Shipton Mill flour, Quicke’s dairy and biodiversity champion Wildpress, since its opening.
Despite this, there was much debate over the opening of more Gail’s bakery sites in Bristol, following the news of the upcoming openings of the College Green and Whiteladies Road branches.