The Best Bakeries in Edinburgh (and which breads to eat)

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Best Breads, Bakeries and Luxury Hotels

Hello, fellow travelers! If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, culture and carbs, look no further than Edinburgh, Scotland. This city is famous for its castles, festivals and kilts, but also for its delicious breads and baked goods that will make you want to stay forever. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can also treat yourself to some of the finest luxury hotels in the world, where you can enjoy high tea, spa treatments and stunning views. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my personal recommendations for the best breads, bakeries and luxury hotels in Edinburgh, as well as some tips on what to see and do while you’re there. So grab your passport and your appetite, and let’s go!

The Top 7 Authentic Breads and Baked Goods You Have to Try When Visiting Edinburgh

Scotland has a rich and diverse baking tradition that dates back centuries. From hearty oatcakes to sweet scones, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Here are some of the most popular and authentic breads and baked goods you have to try when visiting Edinburgh:

Bannock

Bannock is a flat bread made from oatmeal or barley flour that is cooked on a griddle or baked in an oven. It can be eaten plain or with butter, jam or cheese. Bannock was traditionally eaten by Scottish Highlanders as a staple food, but nowadays it’s more of a treat or a snack. You can find bannock at most bakeries or cafes in Edinburgh.

Scone

Scone is a small cake or quick bread that is usually made with wheat flour, baking powder, butter and milk. It can be sweet or savory, and often has raisins, currants or cheese mixed in. Scones are usually served with clotted cream and jam as part of a traditional afternoon tea. You can find scones at any tea room or bakery in Edinburgh.

Shortbread

Shortbread is a type of biscuit or cookie that is made with butter, sugar and flour. It has a crumbly texture and a rich buttery flavor. Shortbread is one of Scotland’s most famous exports and is often given as a gift or souvenir. You can find shortbread at any souvenir shop or supermarket in Edinburgh.

Scotch Pie

Scotch Pie is a type of meat pie that is made with minced mutton or lamb and spices that are enclosed in a hot water crust pastry. It has a round shape and a crispy crust. Scotch Pie is usually eaten hot or cold as a snack or a meal. You can find Scotch Pie at any butcher shop or bakery in Edinburgh.

Oatcakes

The Best 7 Bakeries in Edinburgh and Which Luxury Hotels Are in Walking Distance

Edinburgh has many amazing bakeries that offer a variety of breads, cakes, pastries and pies. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a sweet treat or a hearty lunch, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the best bakeries in Edinburgh and which luxury hotels are in walking distance:

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Mimi’s Bakehouse is a family-run bakery that specializes in cakes, cupcakes, brownies and traybakes. They also serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Their signature products are their award-winning scones and their famous cake slices that come in flavors like carrot cake, chocolate fudge cake and lemon drizzle cake. Mimi’s Bakehouse has four locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on the Royal Mile, which is close to many attractions and hotels.

Luxury hotels nearby: The Balmoral Hotel (0.3 miles), The Scotsman Hotel (0.4 miles), The Witchery by the Castle (0.5 miles).

The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie

The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie is a artisan bakery that offers a range of breads, pastries, cakes and savories. They use organic ingredients and traditional methods to create their products, which include sourdough bread, croissants, danishes, eclairs and pies. They also serve coffee, tea and sandwiches. The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie has two locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on Easter Road, which is close to the city center and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Luxury hotels nearby: Prestonfield House (1.6 miles), The Glasshouse (1.7 miles), Nira Caledonia (1.9 miles).

Twelve Triangles

Twelve Triangles is a modern bakery that focuses on seasonal and local ingredients to create their breads, pastries and cakes. They also serve coffee, tea and juices. Their signature products are their sourdough breads, which come in flavors like rye, spelt and walnut; their croissants, which come in flavors like almond,

chocolate and pistachio; and their doughnuts, which come in flavors like lemon curd, salted caramel and raspberry jam. Twelve Triangles has four locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on Brunswick Street, which is close to the Playhouse Theatre and the Omni Centre.

Luxury hotels nearby: The Balmoral Hotel (0.7 miles), The Scotsman Hotel (0.8 miles), The Glasshouse (0.9 miles).

Lovecrumbs

Lovecrumbs is a quirky and cozy bakery that specializes in cakes, cupcakes and brownies. They also serve coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Their signature products are their creative and delicious cakes, which come in flavors like peanut butter and jelly, earl grey and lemon, and cardamom and rose. Lovecrumbs has two locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on West Port, which is close to the Grassmarket and the Edinburgh Castle.

Luxury hotels nearby: The Witchery by the Castle (0.4 miles), The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa (0.5 miles), The Principal Edinburgh George Street (0.6 miles).

Soderberg

Soderberg is a Swedish bakery that offers a range of breads, pastries, cakes and savories. They also serve coffee, tea and smoothies. Their signature products are their Swedish specialties, such as kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), semlor (cream buns) and smörgåstårta (sandwich cake). Soderberg has seven locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on Queensferry Street, which is close to the Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery.

Luxury hotels nearby: The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square (0.2 miles), The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (0.3 miles), The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel (0.3 miles).

Cuckoo’s Bakery

Cuckoo’s Bakery is a fun and colorful bakery that specializes in cupcakes, layer cakes and traybakes. They also serve coffee, tea and milkshakes. Their signature products are their award-winning cupcakes, which come in flavors like raspberry and white chocolate, sticky toffee pudding and red velvet. Cuckoo’s Bakery has two locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on Dundas Street, which is close to the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Luxury hotels nearby: Nira Caledonia (0.4 miles), The Howard (0.5 miles), The Balmoral Hotel (1 mile).

Patisserie Valerie

Patisserie Valerie is a French bakery that offers a range of breads, pastries, cakes and savories. They also serve coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Their signature products are their French specialties, such as croissants,

pain au chocolat, macarons and mille-feuille. They also serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Patisserie Valerie has four locations in Edinburgh, but the most convenient one for luxury travelers is the one on George Street, which is close to the Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument.

Luxury hotels nearby: The Principal Edinburgh George Street (0.1 miles), The InterContinental Edinburgh The George (0.1 miles), The Balmoral Hotel (0.4 miles).

5-Star Luxury Hotels near the Best Bakeries in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has many luxury hotels that offer a range of amenities, services and styles. Whether you’re looking for a historic hotel, a boutique hotel or a modern hotel, you’ll find something to suit your preferences. Here are some of the top 5-star luxury hotels in Edinburgh:

The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is the grand dame of Edinburgh’s luxury hotel scene. A renovated old railway station hotel, it’s a sophisticated affair: a classy whisky bar, upscale Michelin-star restaurant, elegant and contemporary rooms, indoor pool and a pampering spa. A real has-it-all luxury stay.

Location: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle is a unique and romantic hotel that is located in a 16th century building next to the Edinburgh Castle. It has nine suites that are decorated with antiques, tapestries and Gothic touches. It also has a renowned restaurant that serves Scottish cuisine in a candlelit setting.

Location: Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is a modern and stylish hotel that is located in the heart of the city. It has spacious and comfortable rooms that offer views of the Edinburgh Castle or the city skyline. It also has a rooftop bar, a fine dining restaurant, an indoor pool and a luxurious spa.

Location: 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR

The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is a historic and elegant hotel that is located in a former railway station building. It has classic and refined rooms that offer views of the Edinburgh Castle or the Princes Street Gardens. It also has a chic cocktail bar, two acclaimed restaurants, an indoor pool and a lavish spa.

Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH1 2AB

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is a boutique and trendy hotel that is located in a Georgian townhouse overlooking a private garden square. It has cozy and eclectic rooms that feature Scottish touches and modern amenities. It also has a lively bar, a Mediterranean restaurant, an outdoor terrace and a relaxing spa.

Location: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Nira Caledonia

Nira Caledonia is a charming and intimate hotel that is located in a quiet residential street in New Town.

Location: 10 Gloucester Place, Edinburgh EH3 6EF

The Howard

The Howard is a refined and discreet hotel that is located in three Georgian townhouses in the New Town. It has luxurious and individually designed rooms that feature antique furniture, four-poster beds and fireplaces. It also has a butler service, a drawing room, a conservatory and a private garden.

Location: 34 Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QH

Things for Luxury Travelers to See and Do after visiting the Best Bakeries Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature or entertainment, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the things for luxury travelers to see and do in Edinburgh:

  • Visit the Edinburgh Castle, the iconic fortress that dominates the city skyline. Explore the royal apartments, the crown jewels, the dungeons and the museums. Enjoy the views of the city and watch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun.
  • Stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic street that connects the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Admire the architecture, shop for souvenirs, visit the attractions and listen to the street performers.
  • Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival that takes place every August. Watch comedy, theatre, music, dance and more from thousands of performers at hundreds of venues across the city.
  • Relax at the Royal Botanic Garden, a beautiful and peaceful oasis that features over 13,000 plant species from around the world. Wander through the glasshouses, the rock garden, the Chinese hillside and the arboretum.
  • Indulge in a whisky tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience, a visitor attraction that offers an interactive and educational journey through the history and production of Scotland’s national drink. Sample different whiskies from different regions and learn how to appreciate their flavors and aromas.
  • Enjoy a night out at The Stand Comedy Club, a popular and intimate venue that showcases some of the best comedians from Scotland and beyond. Laugh along with stand-up acts, improv shows, sketch shows and more.
  • Treat yourself to a spa day at One Spa, a luxurious and award-winning spa that offers a range of treatments and facilities. Relax in the thermal suite, the hydro pool, the rooftop pool and the relaxation pods.

Cookbooks to Get a Taste of Edinburgh at Home Listing The Top Amazon Cookbooks for Lovers of Scottish Bread

If you want to recreate some of the delicious breads and baked goods you had in Edinburgh at home, you’ll need some good cookbooks to guide you. Here are some ofthe top Amazon cookbooks for lovers of Scottish bread:

  • The Bread Lover’s Bread Machine Cookbook: A Master Baker’s 300 Favorite Recipes for Perfect-Every-Time Bread-From Every Kind of Machine by Beth Hensperger. This cookbook has recipes for all kinds of breads, including Scottish ones like bannock, oatcakes and scones. It also has tips and tricks for using a bread machine to make your baking easier and faster.
  • Scottish Baking by Sue Lawrence. This cookbook has recipes for traditional and modern Scottish baking, including breads, cakes, pies, biscuits and more. It also has stories and anecdotes about the history and culture of Scottish baking.
  • The Great British Bake Off Big Book of Baking by Linda Collister. This cookbook has recipes for all the challenges and showstoppers from the popular TV show, including Scottish ones like shortbread, tablet and cranachan. It also has photos and tips from the judges and contestants.

If you want to learn more about Edinburgh and plan your trip better, you’ll need some additional resources to help you. Here are some links for travelers:

  • Visit Scotland: The official website for tourism in Scotland. It has information on attractions, events, accommodation, transport and more.
  • Edinburgh.org: The official website for tourism in Edinburgh. It has information on things to do, places to stay, food and drink, shopping and more.
  • Edinburgh Festival City: The official website for the festivals in Edinburgh. It has information on the dates, venues, tickets and programs of the various festivals that take place throughout the year.
  • Edinburgh Airport: The official website for the airport in Edinburgh. It has information on flights, parking, transport, services and more.
  • Lothian Buses: The official website for the bus service in Edinburgh. It has information on routes, timetables, fares and more.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a wonderful city that offers a lot of things for luxury travelers. From delicious breads and baked goods to stunning luxury hotels to exciting things to see and do, you’ll never get bored or hungry in this city. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful for your next trip to Edinburgh. Happy travels!

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