Much of London is shuttered on Christmas Day itself, but not quite everywhere.
As has become seasonal tradition, select branches of the bougie bakery Gail's will remain open on 25 December 2025, offering a warm space, a conversation and a complimentary mince pie.
Gail's says that it recognises this can be a difficult day for many, and that their little gesture hopes to combat loneliness within the community.
It's business as usual on Christmas Day at the following branches of Gail's:
🥧 Long Acre: 8am-4pm
🥧 Balham: 7am-5pm
🥧 Blackheath: 8am-5pm
🥧 Clapham Old Town: 8am-5pm
🥧 Dulwich: 10am-5pm
🥧 Greenwich: 7am-5pm
🥧 Highgate: 8am-3pm
🥧 Shaftesbury Avenue: 7am-8pm
Gail's won't be the only place keeping its doors open on 25 December; there's also a small selection of pubs and pools.
For those unable to afford Christmas Day lunch, the Alexandra in Wimbledon hosts its 10th annual free dinner, while Cummin' Up Caribbean restaurant in Lewisham also traditionally lays on a free meal.
