Mimi's Bakehouse: 'Much-loved' Scottish bakery to close first shop in Leith

Mimi’s Bakehouse, one of Edinburgh’s best-loved independent bakery cafés, has announced that it will close its Leith outlet this Sunday.

The decision marks the end of an important chapter for the award-winning family business, whose Leith café on the Shore was the bakery chain’s first site when it opened in 2010.

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Named after founder Michelle ‘Mimi’ Phillips, Mimi’s Bakehouse has grown over the past 15 years into one of the city’s most recognisable hospitality brands, celebrated for its indulgent bakes, afternoon tea and friendly staff. The Leith location, overlooking the Water of Leith, played an essential role in that journey.

Michelle Phillips, founder and managing director, said: “Our bakery café at The Shore was where our Mimi’s journey began.

“We sold the family home to open it during the recession – everyone thought we were daft. But, it was built on love, community, hard graft and lots and lots of butter. It’s remained a family business, and we’ve made so many incredible memories here. We will always be grateful for that.

“While the Leith location will close, the business will now focus on investing in and elevating its existing Edinburgh sites - City Art Centre, Comely Bank, Corstorphine and Lauriston Castle - as well as its online bakery, which delivers cakes UK-wide, along with its concessions and partnerships.

“This isn’t a goodbye. We’re focusing on the future of Mimi’s and working out how to create the best possible experience for our team and for the customers who have been with us since the beginning, continuing to bake the cakes that everyone loves.

“Leith will always be part of who we are. Even though we’re stepping back from the café as people know and love it, we’re already imagining what the next chapter in this space could be - something that reflects our love of great food and warm hospitality. Watch this space.”

The bakehouse owners did not confirm whether financial pressures played any part in the Leith closure. The decision comes after Mimi’s Royal Mile site, which first opened in 2012, was closed last year, with the close proximity to the City Art Centre venue cited as a reason.

Mimi’s Bakehouse Leith will trade as normal until Sunday, with the family encouraging customers to stop by for a final slice of cake before the doors close.

The outlet is an award-winning family run bakery and is a popular spot for afternoon tea. Recent honours include in the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2025, with Ms Phillips the runner-up in this UK-wide award.

Mimi's Bakehouse received multiple accolades at the Scottish Bakers Awards 2023/24, including the Best in Scotland Gold Award for its chocolate raspberry cupcake , and Best in Region Gold Award for the fruit scone in Edinburgh.

Serving up a selection of homemade cakes, the bakery team is led by Ms Phillips’ daughter and head baker Gemma Clearie, who works to create a mix of traditional classics and creative inventions.

In early 2020, the Leith Mimi's Bakehouse was transformed into "Sweets and Treats", the shop owned by Vanessa Hudgens' character Stacy in the Netflix film The Princess Switch, as filming began on the sequel.