An east London pub that suddenly closed last year is set to become a Gail’s as the bakery chain continues its rapid expansion.
The Hackney Tap, a Grade II-listed property on Mare Street built in 1802 and formerly Hackney Old Town Hall, closed in July 2024 and has been empty ever since.
At the time, locals joked it was likely to become a Gail’s. Branded signage appeared on the windows of the former pub this month.
Though it hadn’t been a pub long – it was converted from a bookies in 2021 – the Hackney Tap was a firm favourite, popular thanks to an ever-changing selection of beers across its 22 pumps.
But it is another pub to close in London in 2025, with as many as 50 calling time so far this year, including the Gun in Homerton, the High Hill Tap in Walthamstow, and the Dog & Bull in Croydon.
Gail’s, meanwhile, is enjoying a period of exceptional growth and there are around 170 cafes now open across the UK.
Late last year Gail’s boss Tom Molnar said the company planned to open between 30 and 40 new sites by the end of 2025.
Recent new bakeries include outposts in Stoke Newington, Southwark, Gatwick Airport, and Walthamstow. The latter was the subject of protests as residents opposed adding the chain to a high street made up of primarily independent shops.
Gail’s told the Standard: “[We’re] excited to confirm it is opening a new bakery in Hackney this summer. The opening will bring GAIL’s craft baking to the community, including creating a number of craft baking, barista, and management roles. We will also be donating surplus baked goods through our Neighbourly partnership, which will be distributing produce to six local charities and a school in the area.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and improving access to quality food and drink on the high-street”
The latest is expected to open at the former pub on June 12. It will be the building’s fifth iteration. Before it was a bookies, it was a bank – the same one that Tesco founder Jack Cohen, then a market trader, opened his business account with – and before that, it was Hackney Town Hall.
354 Mare Street, E8 1HR, gails.com
