KNUTSFORD has no shortage of options for quality food and drinks, but this week sees the arrival of a new kid on the block. 

GAIL’s bakery is fast expanding beyond its old south eastern stomping ground, with recent months seeing new bakeries open in well-heeled towns and suburbs like Wilmslow and East Didsbury.

The new Knutsford branch, in the former HSBC bank on Princess Street, will be their fifth in the North West and second in Cheshire when it opens on Friday, November 3.

Northwich Guardian: GAIL's sell all the classic, but also plenty of originals like their blueberry custard brioche with 'surprise' crumble toppingGAIL's sell all the classic, but also plenty of originals like their blueberry custard brioche with 'surprise' crumble topping (Image: Newsquest)

Having never visited GAIL’s until this week, I didn’t know what to expect when I was asked along to their 'housewarming' event.

I arrived just after 10.30am and the place was bustling with invited local business owners.

Northwich Guardian: Aforementioned blueberry custard brioche - a very unexpected taste of my childhoodAforementioned blueberry custard brioche - a very unexpected taste of my childhood (Image: Newsquest)

I took my freebie voucher from one of their team and joined the back of the queue.

I went for the parmesan chicken sandwich, a blueberry and custard brioche, and a double espresso. They also threw in one of their famous San Francisco sourdough loaves for me to take away.   

Northwich Guardian: Is it a burger, or is it a sandwich? Who cares - it's very tastyIs it a burger, or is it a sandwich? Who cares - it's very tasty (Image: Newsquest)

GAIL's make much of their signature house blend coffee, which I think is fair enough.

It's nice and oily in terms of texture, if a touch on the tangy side for me. I know acidity is something connoisseurs look for, but in my book, it shouldn’t come at the cost of balance. 

Northwich Guardian: There's a real mix of trendy and classic in the cake and sweet treat departmentThere's a real mix of trendy and classic in the cake and sweet treat department (Image: Newsquest)

The parmesan chicken sandwich I thought was really clever. Tender, well-seasoned chicken thigh meat; cheese; crispy iceberg lettuce; tomato; gherkin.

On a decent brioche bun and with a hint of chilly heat, it's not a million miles away from a chicken burger.

Northwich Guardian: All GAIL's sandwich are made in-house daily. All GAIL's sandwich are made in-house daily. (Image: Newsquest)

The blueberry and custard brioche took me a bit by surprise.

The little crunchy bits baked on to the outside are actually good old-fashioned crumble topping, and with the gently set custard and cooked berries, I was straight back at my mum’s Sunday lunch table.

Not at all what I was expecting, yet all the more enjoyable for it.  

Northwich Guardian: Their San Fransisco sourdough, unlike many of its rivals, remembers it's actually breadTheir San Fransisco sourdough, unlike many of its rivals, remembers it's actually bread (Image: Newsquest)

For me, the San Francisco sourdough was the star of the show. So much sourdough I buy nowadays is crumpety, with the actual crumb itself all chewy and glossy.

GAIL’s loaf reminded me how sourdough should be – first and foremost – bread.

There is certainly a good chew, but it's from the crust, not the crumb. The crumb is fluffy and light, as it should be. It’s £4.30, sure, which isn't cheap, but it’s not a rip-off either.

GAIL's is hugely popular wherever it opens up, and I'm sure Knutsford will be no exception. Queues are expected, so you'd be wise to get there early. 

It will add to the impressive list of foot outlets and eateries Knutsford already has to offer.