Great Scot! The Great British Bake Off is back

Mimi’s Bakehouse, Edinburgh, is a family run bakery-cafe with sites in Leith and Corstorphine. While we think everything at Mimi’s is worthy of the Great British Bake Off crown, you don’t need to take our words for it. They were recently voted as the best casual dining experience in Scotland at the 2015 VisitScotland Thistle Awards and awarded double gold at the 2016 Cafelife awards. At Mimi’s you can get the best breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in Edinburgh as well as a devastatingly delicious daily freshly baked cakes! The skilled bakery team is led by Mimi’s daughter and Head Baker, Gemma Clearie who works hard to create a mix of traditional classics and creative inventions. We had had a slice of cake and quick chat with Gemma about Mimi’s baking.

What Makes a Mimi’s cake unique?

GC: We believe in great cakes done right and that means no mixes, no cheats and no chemical nasties: just time, love and passion. Two large windows sit between the cafe and our bakery, letting you take a peep and watch the magic happen as the bakers create a delicious array of tasty treats.

The voyeur in us is getting hungry just thinking about it! If you had to choose a show stopper or a technical challenge to show your skill like the contestants on The Great British Bake Off what would it be AND what would you make?

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I love the smell of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg being in the bakery. Every year we open a pop up stall in Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and to celebrate the opening of the stall we create a gingerbread house show piece. Each year we try to make the Gingerbread house bigger and better than last year and even though it’s still summer, I can’t wait to begin work on the one for this year.

That answer is filling us with Christmas cheer, and it’s only August! Do you have a favourite item to bake?

My favourite bake is making our award winning scones. We do these first thing in the morning, every morning and I find it a very therapeutic way to start the day. It is always hugely satisfying to see the scones rising in the oven as you get ready for the busy day ahead.

The Tearooms at the Butterfly & the Pig in Glasgow is renowned for its shabby chic interior and delicious food. Let’s be honest, cake always tastes better following a hearty lunch. We recommend you try their signature ‘open’ fish cake dish, packed with potato and salmon, and topped with a perfectly cooked poached egg. Turn your attention to the Tearoom’s glass cabinets; and you will find insanely good cakes artfully prepared by talented pastry chefs. These guys bake all their own scones, cakes and even make the jam. Skills definitely worthy of a Great British Bake Off title in our book!

This award winning venue in Glasgow’s city centre, would breeze through any cupcake related challenge on The Great British Bake off, having recently been a finalist in the Best New Restaurant in the Glasgow Restaurant Awards. Cup bakes a sumptuous smorgasbord of cupcakes daily on the premises. Their cupcakes come in wacky combinations all designed to compliment Cup’s selection of over 40 hand blended award winning teas. We caught up with managing director Paul Reynolds to find out more:

We love your fresh baked cupcakes, they come in some amazing flavour combinations- do you have a favourite?

PR: My favourite is the carrot cupcake with its citrus notes and tasty cream cheese and vanilla frosting.

Mmmm…cream cheese frosting! At Cup Tea Room there are over 40 hand blended teas- which would you recommend for matching with cake?

I’m an Earl Grey fan, so it would have to be our award winning Gorgeous Grey tea. The classic flavour of Sri Lankan black tea and Bergamot oil, naturally pressed from real Bergamot citrus fruit – fragrant with plenty of citrus aroma.

Tucked in a sunny corner of the Hidden Lane in Glasgow, this little gem offers a luxurious afternoon tea menu which contains a yummy range of homemade cakes and bakes available all day. Try their famous Victoria sponge and their amazing secret recipe scones, you might want to come back. Their afternoon tea has been voted second best in the country by Peter Irvine’s highly acclaimed “Scotland the best”, and trust us, it is highly well-deserved. Plus, these guys have an amazing selection of leaf teas you don’t want to miss out on!

Tip-listed for their afternoon tea by The List Eating & Drinking guide 2017/18, this award winning gallery Cafe offers fresh seasonal local produce from small suppliers and growers. Located within the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, this casual venue overlooks the beautiful Princes street Garden. Yes, quite nice, but really the best part is their amazing afternoon tea menu that includes all types of authentic Scottish sandwiches and sweet treats. Definitely on our top list!