My perfect autumn weekend day? A lovely walk in sunny Edinburgh (maybe diverting into a charity shop or two) with a pitstop for a coffee and pastry. Luckily, Edinburgh has a fantastic bakery scene with endless cafes to explore, and here I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourites!
Lannan Bakery – Stockbridge
Instagram: @lannanbakery
This bakery’s reputation precedes it (thanks to TikTok and Instagram) and it lives up to the hype! Named after the Scottish Gaelic word for ‘house’, Lannan is nestled on a picturesque Stockbridge street. The inevitable short wait is well worth it for their mix of traditional and inventive pastries. My personal favourite would have to be the cardamom bun (£3, pictured below)- it’s perfectly spiced and subtly sweet, without being overpowering. It is a bit of a trek to Stockbridge, but that just adds to the charm of a day out!
Considerit– Sciennes
Instagram: @considerit_chocolate
Here might be the best doughnuts in all of Edinburgh – and you wouldn’t even notice that these little beauties are vegan! Weekly rotating flavours include Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie, Jammie Dodger, Oreo, Biscoff, Rhubarb & Apple Crumble and Bourbon Cream. Not a doughnut fan? They also serve plant-based ice-cream and chocolate, making it a must-visit spot for sweet tooths of all kinds.
La Barantine – Bruntsfield, Stockbridge, Victoria Street and Tollcross
Instagram: @labarantine
La Barantine is the place to go. Step inside La Baratine and you are transported to a traditional Parisian boulangerie. This is a family-owned bakery named after the founder’s grandfather, and it is often staffed by her children. Seating can be limited, so arrive early or cross your fingers for a bit of luck!
Sugar Daddy’s Bakery – Marchmont
Instagram: @sugardaddysedinburgh
This 100% gluten free bakery in Marchmont is a joy for everyone (gluten-free or not!). With a wide variety and array of cakes, biscuits, cupcakes in a bright welcoming space, Sugar Daddy’s brings a pop of fun and colour to the Edinburgh bakery scene and is well worth the visit.
The Bearded Baker – Leith
Instagram: @beardedbakerscot
This is a small batch bakery based in Leith. It has a smaller selection, but the delicacies they do, they do well! Their selection includes pastries, bagels, sourdough and its standout offering: focaccia. They have also recently opened a second location called Seventy-One Steps which is, as you can guess, just seventy-one steps away!
Söderberg– Quartermile, Stockbridge, Broughton St, Queensferry St & Morningside
Instagram: @soderbergbakery
An Edinburgh staple, Söderberg is a Scandinavian Bakery and Coffee Shop with seven branches across the city. Their selection of seasonal buns – cinnamon, blueberry, raspberry and cardamom- makes for an ideal catch-up spot with friends or a quick break from university at the Quartermile branches. Pro tip: Söderberg sometimes appears on the Too Good To Go app for a discounted treat saving food from waste!
This concludes my roundup of Edinburgh’s best bakeries. Of course, there is so much more out there to explore, and we are lucky to live in a city with so many great options just around the corner. I hope you all enjoy picking up your sweet treats!
All photographs provided by Kirsty Ross-Oliver