The hi-vis jacket that gave away Greater Manchester town’s worst kept secret

A hi-vis jacket and the mumblings from a worker have seemingly confirmed the news that many in the area of Prestwich have known unofficially for months now: a famed bakery is coming to town.

Since August, rumours have circulated online that bakery chain GAIL’s was to take over the former NatWest bank building on Bury New Road. The news has officially been confirmed to the M.E.N. today (October 25).

Posts on Facebook groups for the local area have seen local residents describe the upcoming arrival as ‘fantastic news for the high street’ and ‘the best ever news for Prestwich’.

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Others have also highlighted how the forthcoming arrival of the chain could also help some of the Bury town's other businesses. One person wrote: “Fabulous, looking forward to it. Emphasises the focus on Prestwich being the best place in Manchester for food! We now have many options available and will drive business in the town.”

On Wednesday (October 23), a number of people were pictured outside the former bank building wearing GAIL’s-branded high-vis jackets - further stemming the rumours and chatter amongst local residents.

In addition, a worker in the nearby area also told the M.E.N. this week that it was widely believed that works were beginning at the former bank premises, situated on the edge of Clifton Road, to transform it into a new site for the bakery.

A representative for GAIL’s, which is known for its selection of fresh, handmade bread, pastries, sandwiches and cakes, has today confirmed that the famed bakery is coming to Prestwich - with the site ‘set to open at some point in the new year’.

The chain, which first