Bakery chain Gail's has been developing new seasonal treats in their Camden Town test kitchen, which they launched last month with an eye on light dishes and picnics. The summer menu includes brand new fruity cakes and savouries, and the likes of Darjeeling, elderflower, and sage iced tea. We tried the artichoke quiche, a ricotta and strawberry cake and a crustless tomato and courgette slice (Image: Elliot Shephard) Stopping into my local branch in Willesden, I picked up a delicious artichoke quiche with sundried tomatoes, ricotta, cheddar, herbs and a Turkish tomato-based paste called ezme, all packed inside a crumbly pastry case.
Alongside a new crustless slice with cherry tomatoes, red peppers, courgette, Westcombe cheddar, Kalamata olives and mixed herbs (both priced at £5.20) it would make a fine addition to any summer picnic. Iced tea options also include a fragrant rhubarb, hibiscus and orange, or you can just enjoy one of the neighbourhood bakery's excellent coffees.
Strawberry ricotta cakes ready for the oven (Image: Elliot Shephard) Sweet treats on the summer menu include a lemon polenta cake, the return of the popular carrot cake with mascarpone and hazelnut praline, and a fabulous brioche bun filled with frangipane, vanilla mascarpone, pistachio praline, and fresh raspberries. Unavailable on my visit, I tried instead a lovely polenta and ricotta cake topped with fresh sliced strawberries. The tomato and courgette slice (Image: Elliot Shephard) Gail's , which open.