Overview
- The Junction Road branch in Archway was defaced overnight with “reject corporate Zionism,” “support local business” and “boycott” sprayed across the frontage, with windows smashed.
- The same site was targeted five days earlier, hours before opening, with red paint and slogans, and protesters later gathered on launch day.
- The Metropolitan Police have reviewed CCTV, increased patrols and are assessing whether the two incidents are linked, with no suspects detained to date.
- Gail’s co‑founder and chief executive Tom Molnar condemned the actions as attempts to intimidate and said the company is a UK business with no ties to any foreign government.
- Online campaigns citing the chain’s Israeli roots and Bain Capital’s ownership have driven boycott calls, while local residents reported anxiety and organised a “Breakfast at Gail’s” welcome event.