'A bit of healthy competition never did any harm': Didsbury's indie cafes remain bullish as Gail's open in the village

Following fanfare receptions in Altrincham and the city centre, Gail’s bakery opens in Didsbury Village this morning (June 24).

The chain, which also offers a sit-in dining experience, is taking over a former HSBC branch on Wilmslow Road. It’s a fitting location for the high-end cafe.

Gail’s also fits in well with Didsbury’s clientele — if the house prices and sports cars are anything to go by — but it faces some stiff competition. Already, the village is home to a plethora of independent cafes, plus the usual high street favourites.

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And despite having new neighbours in the form of the London-based Gail’s, which already has scores of shops, existing traders are bullish about their new competition. The Manchester Evening News spoke to several small firms around Wilmslow Road to see what they think of the latest arrival.

“A bit of healthy competition never did anyone any harm,” smiled Jim Kelly, the assistant manager at Caramello’s, just a few metres from the new store. “I think we will be okay… with our menu — that’s fully halal — [because] that’s our main customer base.”

Despite his confidence in the meals on show, the 28-year-old recognises some changes might have to be made. He went on: “ It remains to be seen how the pastries, which we make, will do. People will have to walk past Gail’s to come here. We might have to stop doing those.

“I like to think we have a loyal enough customer base. I think they will try it but they will then come back.”

Further down the road is La Chouquette, Didsbury’s answer to a French boulangerie. Over the last three years, Francois David, originally from Montpellier, has enticed punters in with a sweet smell of bread.

It means the