Watch your back, Greggs. A couple of rival bakeries have announced expansion plans in the past week as they threaten to topple Greggs as kings of the high street.
Gail’s have revealed their plans to open 40 new branches in England in 2026, while Warrens Bakery are opening a new flagship store in Liverpool Street Station.
Despite high streets across the country experiencing closures in recent years, Gail’s have been rapidly expanding.
They currently have 185 stores across the UK, and opened 36 new branches in the year leading up to February 2025.
Over the same period, their number of employees has increased by 500 to a total of over 4,000, with revenues of £278 million, a 20% increase from the previous period.
Despite this, Gail’s reported pre-tax losses of £7.8 million, which increased from £7.4 million the previous year, mainly due to investments in store expansions and rising operational costs.
A Gail's representative said: "We are pleased to have delivered strong year-on-year growth.
"This performance is underpinned by the increasing demand for high-quality, nutrient dense food, and by the support of the communities we serve.
“We will continue to build on this momentum by growing with purpose and remaining committed to improving access to good food."
Meanwhile, Cornish company Warrens Bakery has opened its newest site in Liverpool Street Station, the UK's busiest railway station.
Liverpool Street, which sees a footfall of 94.4 million, already contains a busy Greggs store, while the new Warren’s branch continues its expansion in railway station stores nationwide, with this being their first London travel site.
Warrens have already had success with their Slough, Basingstoke, Cardiff and Bath railway stores, where they serve a range of Cornish pasties, artisan baked goods, and freshly brewed hot drinks.
Opening over Christmas, commuters at the new Liverpool Street Station shop will be able to try their recently launched Christmas menu, including a Turkey and Cranberry version of the bakery's renowned hand-crimped pasty.
Mark Sullivan, Warren Bakery’s CEO, said: "Our railway station stores in Bath, Basingstoke, Slough and Cardiff are popular amongst commuters and travellers, so we're excited to grow further in this area by opening a flagship shop in the UK's busiest railway station.
“Our plan is to expand our presence in other London travel locations."
Katie Anderson, Warrens Bakery’s Head of Travel, said: "This is quite a journey for us, from the streets of 1860 Penzance to Liverpool Street Station in 2025.
"Our focus has always been on quality and choice, and we’re delighted to introduce people to our famous hand-crimped pasties, delicious baked goods and exciting new collaboration with roasted coffee experts Bridge Coffee".
