From Hampstead to Harrogate can GAIL's upscale coffee house capture the hearts of the north

An upmarket coffee shop brand associated with Hampstead and cinammon buns is nearly ready to open its doors in Harrogate.

GAIL's bakery and cafe may divide opinion in the media but its popularity with customers has been such that it has grown into 170 outlets in the UK.

First launched in 2005 in Hampstead in London, workmen can currently been seen busily converting the site of the former Russell & Bromley shoe shop at 7 James Street into the latest branch of the artisan bakery and coffee shop chain.

Still predominantly southern-based, GAIL's imminent opening in Harrogate will bring its high quality ingredients approach to freshly made, handmade sourdough breads, pastries and sweet treats, craft food and coffee.

With the window art created and refurbishment work on the fixtures, fittings and furnishing of the interiors ongoing, GAIL's coffee shop is set to open its new Harrogate branch in a few weeks’ time. (Picture contributed)

Harrogate will be one its few locations in the north, though that is changing.

A spokesperson for GAIL's said: “We are excited to be opening a new bakery in Harrogate.

"The Harrogate opening will bring Gail’s craft baking to the community, including creating a number of craft baking, barista, and management roles.”

Proud to act as a middle-class community hub, GAIL's also attracts negative publicity, occasionally, over its prices and, even, the nature of its food offer.

Much-loved by many, the business draws the crowds and inspires hosts of social media memes.

With the GAIL's window art created and refurbishment work on the fixtures, fittings and furnishing of the interiors ongoing, the new bakery and cafe is expected to open its doors in a few weeks’ time in early November.