Gail’s Archway Bakery Vandalised in Free Gaza Protest 2026

Key Points

• A newly opened Gail’s Bakery branch in Archway, north London, on Junction Road near Archway Tube station, was vandalised overnight with red paint and political slogans including “Free Gaza”.
• The vandalism occurred shortly after a ‘Free Gaza’ protest outside the premises, amid false claims linking the UK-based bakery chain to Israel, which the company has repeatedly denied.
• Metropolitan Police were called at around 11.39pm on Wednesday to reports of criminal damage; officers arrived within six minutes but suspects had fled the scene.
• Police conducted a search of the area and are reviewing CCTV footage in collaboration with the local council to identify suspects and pursue lines of enquiry.
• Footage from the protest captured a confrontation between demonstrators and a Jewish bystander, who challenged the targeting of a British business with anti-Israel slogans.
• In the video shared online, the bystander stated: “It is a UK-based business, why are you protesting a UK-based business saying ‘Boycott Israel’? Is it because they’ve got Jewish directors?”
• The incident has prompted a police investigation into criminal damage, highlighting tensions around protests targeting businesses over alleged Israel links.

(North London News) February 20, 2026 – Archway, Gail’s Bakery branch on Junction Road near Archway Tube station was targeted with red paint and slogans such as “Free Gaza” overnight following a protest outside the newly opened site. The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers responded to criminal damage reports at 11.39pm on Wednesday, arriving within six minutes to find the exterior vandalised, though suspects had fled.​

Police are actively investigating, having searched the area and partnered with the local council to examine CCTV footage. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated:

“Officers arrived on the scene within six minutes and found that the outside of the building had been vandalised with paint. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.”

Further enquiries involve reviewing additional footage to identify suspects.​

The bakery chain, known for its artisan breads and pastries, has faced repeated accusations of links to Israel, which it has firmly denied. This latest episode underscores ongoing protests against businesses perceived to support Israel amid the Gaza conflict.​

What Triggered the Protest Outside Gail’s Archway Branch?

The demonstration outside the Gail’s Bakery in Archway stemmed from claims linking the chain to Israel, despite the company’s insistence that it is entirely UK-based. Protesters gathered shortly after the branch’s opening, chanting “Free Gaza” and accusing the business of complicity.​

As captured in footage from the event, tensions escalated into a confrontation with a Jewish bystander present at the scene. She directly questioned the protesters’ motives, remarking in a video shared online:

“It is a UK-based business, why are you protesting a UK-based business saying ‘Boycott Israel’? Is it because they’ve got Jewish directors?”

This exchange highlighted accusations of antisemitism amid the boycott calls.​

Gail’s has consistently rebutted such allegations, emphasising its British origins and operations. No official statement from the company on this specific incident was immediately available, but prior denials have been clear and repeated across media reports.​

When and How Did the Vandalism Occur at the Archway Gail’s?

Vandalism struck the Gail’s Bakery on Junction Road, Archway, at around 11.39pm on Wednesday, mere hours after the ‘Free Gaza’ protest dispersed. Red paint was daubed across the exterior, featuring prominent slogans like “Free Gaza”.​

The Metropolitan Police received reports promptly and dispatched officers who reached the site in under six minutes. Upon arrival, they observed the damage but noted the perpetrators had already escaped. A police spokesperson detailed:

“Officers arrived on the scene within six minutes and found that the outside of the building had been vandalised with paint. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.”​

This rapid response underscores standard protocol for such incidents in busy north London areas near tube stations like Archway. The timing, post-protest, suggests a direct connection between the demonstration and the criminal damage.​

What Steps Are Police Taking in the Gail’s Vandalism Investigation?

Following the initial scene attendance, Metropolitan Police officers conducted an immediate area search for suspects. They are now collaborating with the local council to access and analyse available CCTV footage from Junction Road and surrounding areas.​

Police confirmed in their statement:

“They are continuing to review other footage to identify any lines of enquiry that might help to identify the suspects.”

This includes broader surveillance checks to trace the vandals who targeted the Gail’s branch.​

No arrests have been reported as of February 20, 2026, but the investigation remains active. Authorities classify the act as criminal damage, a common charge for such graffiti and paint incidents in the UK.​

Why Are Protesters Targeting Gail’s Bakery Chain?

Gail’s Bakery, a popular chain with outlets across London and beyond, has been singled out due to false claims of ties to Israel. Protesters allege support for the Israeli government, prompting boycott calls and actions like the Archway demonstration.​

The company has repeatedly denied any such connections, affirming its status as a fully UK-based enterprise founded and operated in Britain. These denials have not quelled activism, as seen in the Junction Road protest where slogans decried perceived links.​

Footage from the event revealed pointed exchanges, with the Jewish bystander probing:

“It is a UK-based business, why are you protesting a UK-based business saying ‘Boycott Israel’? Is it because they’ve got Jewish directors?”

Such questions have fuelled debates on whether protests veer into antisemitism.​

Who Was Involved in the Protest Confrontation Captured on Video?

Video evidence shared online from the ‘Free Gaza’ protest outside Gail’s Archway branch shows a heated confrontation between demonstrators and a Jewish bystander. She challenged the group’s focus on a British business, asking:

“It is a UK-based business, why are you protesting a UK-based business saying ‘Boycott Israel’? Is it because they’ve got Jewish directors?”​

The bystander’s intervention highlighted the personal impact of the protest on passers-by. Demonstrators did not respond on camera, but the clip, marked “Photo: X”, circulated widely, drawing attention to the exchange.​

No identities of protesters or the bystander have been publicly disclosed by police or media. The footage serves as potential evidence in the ongoing vandalism probe.​

How Has Gail’s Bakery Responded to Allegations of Israel Links?

Gail’s Bakery has “repeatedly denied” claims of any links to Israel, as noted across reports on the Archway incident. The chain maintains it is a UK-founded business with no international affiliations tied to the conflict.​

While no fresh statement emerged specifically on the vandalism by February 20, 2026, prior rebuttals have been unequivocal. This pattern of denial aims to counter boycott movements targeting the brand.​

The Archway branch, freshly opened on Junction Road, became a flashpoint despite these assurances, illustrating persistent activist pressure on perceived corporate ties.​

What Broader Context Surrounds Protests Against Businesses Like Gail’s?

Protests like the one at Gail’s Archway reflect wider UK activism around the Gaza conflict, with boycott campaigns targeting firms accused of Israel support. Similar actions have hit other chains, often based on unverified claims.​

In north London, areas like Archway near tube stations see frequent demonstrations due to diverse communities. The vandalism adds to concerns over escalation from protest to crime.​

Jewish community outlets, such as Jewish News, have covered the story, linking it to antisemitism fears when British-Jewish linked businesses are targeted. The bystander’s video query echoes these worries.​

Where Exactly Is the Vandalised Gail’s Branch Located?

The affected Gail’s Bakery sits on Junction Road, Archway, in north London, close to Archway Tube station. This high-footfall spot makes the vandalism highly visible to commuters and locals.​

Proximity to the tube facilitates quick protests and dispersals, as seen when suspects fled before police arrival at 11.39pm Wednesday. CCTV in the vicinity aids the Metropolitan Police review.​

Archway’s Junction Road is a bustling commercial stretch, amplifying the incident’s local impact on the new bakery outlet.​

Will This Incident Affect Gail’s Expansion in North London?

The vandalism at the new Archway branch raises questions for Gail’s ongoing expansion amid protest pressures. The chain’s denial of Israel links has not prevented targeting, potentially deterring further openings.​

Police pursuit of suspects may restore confidence, but community tensions persist. Local councils’ CCTV cooperation signals support for business security.