Gail’s new bakery in Brixton is targeted in ‘anti-Israel protest’ as activists put up posters showing bombs strapped to loaves of bread

Posters calling for a boycott have appeared near Gail’s newly opened Brixton bakery, depicting a loaf strapped to an explosive device and accusing the chain of links to Israel and of contributing to gentrification. The campaign has drawn condemnation from Campaign Against Antisemitism, which says targeting the business over perceived associations risks escalating hostility.

The posters were produced by activist group Strapline, which urged people to avoid the bakery and protest its arrival in Brixton. Gail’s denies having links to any country or government outside the UK. Activists cite the ownership of its majority shareholder, Bain Capital, and its investments; Bain acquired its stake in 2021, when Gail’s was valued at £200 million, and the chain now has 170 outlets. Other branches, including one in Archway, have faced protests and vandalism.