Less than 24 hours after opening, Gail’s, Stoke Newington, was egged and had its door glued shut as residents’ fears grow over the loss of independent businesses.
Protestors threw eggs at the bakery Gail’s windows and glued shut its front entrance as part of an overnight protest on 28 February, according to witnesses.
Witnesses also say a separate group appeared to want to vandalise the store but found that other protesters had got there first.
Before opening, the glued entrance was pried open by staff.
This comes amid growing controversy in the community about gentrification. On Stoke Newington Church Street, where Gail’s is located, more than 90 per cent of businesses are independent according to local figures.
Some Gail’s critics cite former-chair Luke Johnson’s pro-Brexit views as reasons for their opposition.
A similar backlash has been seen across other areas of London, including Walthamstow, last summer.
It’s not acceptable
Local café owner
Jay, a barista from The Good Bagel, two doors down from Gail’s, said: “It’s almost like a trademark stamp of when an area has become gentrified and that it’s too expensive for working-class people to live there any more.”
He added: “It feels alienating to a lot of people.”
Residents have taken to social media groups, including Stokey Folks, to either condemn or celebrate the incident and those responsible.
A nearby café owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s not acceptable. There are ways to express your feelings. You don’t have to go and egg somebody else’s business.”
Although Gail’s is bringing an increased footfall to the local area, business owners still have reservations.
“The area is going in a more corporate franchise way. Independent businesses feel a bit threatened,” the café owner added.
Other than Gail’s, there are nine other cafes on Stoke Newington Church Street.
Regarding the incident, a Gail’s spokesperson said: “The safety of our staff and customers is our biggest priority, and so this type of behaviour is very disappointing.”
The Metropolitan Police was approached for comment.
Kieran Molloy is a MA Newpaper Journalism Student at City, University of London. He is actively interested in all stories surrounding Stoke Newington ward, particulary those involving politics, gentrification and subcultures. He formerly served as Investigations Editor for Palatinate, Durham University's award-winning student newspaper. Better than AI slop.