GAIL's

How has war shaped British bread? Food historian Ariel Knoebel explores how the two world wars led to the kinds of loaves eaten today.

We were thrilled to be able to bring together the brilliant creative people who contributed their ideas, talents and skills to making the first issue of Companion.

When we found the space for our new bakery in Primrose Hill, our friends Holland Harvey were inspired by its two prominent conservatories - liminal spaces which join the bakers and baristas with the world outside. For the flooring and kitchen’s backdrop wall, they chose terracotta tiles to harmonise with the brick façade. They introduced warmth with wood panelling and carefully selected loose furniture, while the beige marble countertop adds a domestic touch. Finally, plants have been nestled among the seating, reinforcing the connection to nature. The bakery is equally connected to the community through the food we make, which will be shared with wonderful local charities: the Simon Community, Sankofa Storytelling Arts and Castlehaven Foodbank. Pop in and enjoy the winter sun. 42 Gloucester Avenue, London, NW1 8JD

Today we opened our small but perfectly-formed bakery in St Margarets. Its gentle interior is inspired by former resident, Joseph William Turner. He made unconventional use of a palette knife to create graduated tones in his skyscapes, which we’ve replicated on the baker’s table with tiles. With sustainability in mind, we’ve limited our impact by using reclaimed tiles in the bathroom, while the chairs have been upcycled by our friends at social enterprise RAW . There’s plenty of seating, with a covered terrace hidden at the back of the bakery. We’ve partnered with local charity the Vineyard Centre to make our food go further. 125 St. Margarets Rd, Saint Margarets, Twickenham, TW1 1RG

In 1911, the London Fire Brigade opened their headquarters in Southwark - and today it became our newest bakery. The Fire Station is a fitting place for us to champion the ideas which might reduce the pressure on our over-heating world. Where possible, we’ve designed everything to be used again in the future, like the bespoke counter which can be taken apart when surfaces need replacing, modular benches and cladding which can be unscrewed and reused. Quite a few of the materials have had a previous life already, like the flooring which comes from the gyms of three Yorkshire schools, and all of the tiles which are leftover from other bakeries. The communal table is made by social enterprise Goldfinger from a local fallen tree (a black poplar from Old Kent Road). Others are sustainability innovations, like the waste hemp panels from Margent Farm, regenerative leather, bathroom furniture made of composite wood and resin, 3D-printed light fittings and recycled and recyclable plastic tabletops. We wanted to make the space as uplifting as possible for our breadheads, so we’ve brought the kitchen right to the front of the bakery - no ‘back of house’ here. We’ve introduced an abundance of greenery from our friends Plant Plan, which will thrive on the natural light. Indeed, daylight sensors automatically raise and lower light levels in response to the British weather, which will save energy. We’ve partnered with local community hub Blackfriars Settlement to share surplus food. Pop in for a coffee this weekend and say hello to Bakery Manager Eugene. 94 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 0DG

Our new bakery in Leamington Spa is situated in an old bank. We've carefully retained and repaired the old vault door and intricate coffered ceiling, which now stand in beautiful contrast to the bold use of raw, modern materials. Any bakes left at the end of the day will be shared with the guests at APNA Day Care Centre, who create space for vulnerable and elderly adults to form friendships. 91-93 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4NT

Our Creative Director Roy Levy spoke to magCulture's Jeremy Leslie about our very first magazine, Companion, conceived to tell the stories that drive our business: https://lnkd.in/eJ_cAg5R

Today we fired up the ovens at Birmingham New Street, in a beautiful Grade II listed building. With its timber panelling, grand staircase and decorative fireplace, our friends Object Space Place had a glut of original features to preserve. We carefully chose modern additions to sit sympathetically alongside, like burnished brass and a dusty red palette. Nodding to the building's original purpose as Britain's first coffee house, the wall panels on the first floor are made from recycled coffee grounds. We'll share any food left at the end of the day with Rayon Wallace Helping Hand, which serves more than 200 hot meals each week to the local community. 42a New Street, Birmingham B2 4EG

Plant-based eating can nourish mind and soul, as well as body. We have overnight oats for a working breakfast, substantial salads to fuel your team at lunch and sweet treats for an afternoon pick-me-up.

We've saved over 1 tonne of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) by using Graphenstone Paints UK in our spaces. They contain lime paste which absorbs carbon dioxide, while the white paints absorb sulphides and nitrides in the air, preventing mould and bacteria. They even come in recycled and recyclable pots. Opening more bakeries means that each material choice helps us to limit our impact - and indeed make sure we're improving the communities we enter.