Mimi’s Bakehouse: A Family Legacy of Baking, Community, and Growth

From humble beginnings in Leith to becoming one of Edinburgh’s most beloved bakery cafés, Mimi’s Bakehouse has been a family-run success story built on passion, dedication, and, of course, great cake.

Founded by Michelle Phillips in 2010, Mimi’s has grown beyond its original location, expanding across the city while maintaining its signature ‘feel good’ atmosphere. In this interview, Ashley Harley shares insights into the Bakehouse’s journey, the importance of family in its operations, and how Mimi’s continues to evolve in an ever-changing hospitality landscape.

Nicolle: What inspired Michelle Phillips to establish Mimi's Bakehouse in 2010?

Ashley: Her love of baking from a young age with her Granny at first, is probably what inspired her to get into home baking too. Then after years of working in other people’s hospitality businesses, she knew she wanted to do something herself and Mimi’s was born!

Nicolle: How has the family contributed to the daily operations of Mimi's Bakehouse since its inception?

Ashley: Massively so! Michelle’s daughters and son-in-law have all worked actively in the business since day one as well as various nieces and nephews over the years! The business is now run day to day by Michelle’s three daughters Natalie, Ashley and Gemma

Nicolle:  In what ways has Mimi's Bakehouse expanded its presence in Edinburgh since opening its first bakery café in Leith?

Ashley: We opened in 2010 in Leith and then in 2012 doubled the café in size. We opened on the Royal Mile two years later, then Corstorphine and City Art Centre. In early 2020 we opened our external bakery which helped us pivot to online and survive the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022 we opened our Lauriston Castle and Comely Bank stores as well as started our wholesale business working with Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian.

We have since closed our Royal Mile store and gone back to Leith’s original size but we continue to grow our online presence and wholesale business. 

Nicolle: What role does the industrial bakery, which opened in March 2020, play in Mimi's Bakehouse's operations?

Ashley: It saved us! With it we were able to bake during the pandemic and send treats all over the UK, the space allowed us to work safely, socially distance and grow this business while the stores were closed. 

Nicolle: How does Mimi's Bakehouse maintain its 'feel good' atmosphere while expanding its business?

Ashley: The staff! Hiring the right people is key, hire on personality not skill, you can teach someone all hospitality skills but you can’t teach them to be a good person and care about our customers. How we stand out from the big chains is by providing a friendly warm environment alongside an epic brunch, handmade cake and amazing coffee/tea.

Nicolle: What are some of the awards and recognitions that Michelle Phillips and Mimi's Bakehouse have received?

Ashley: Various awards but our biggest achievement was winning Scottish Baker of the Year 2023-2024, an award we were runner up for 8 times so winning it felt so special as it is voted by our bakery peers.

Nicolle: How do the roles of Michelle and Mike Phillips differ from those of their daughters within the company?

Ashley: Mike and Michelle are very much in the background these days in an advisor role and their daughters run things day to day. Michelle is also President of the Scottish Bakers Association which keeps her busy along with helping with childcare for their 4 grandchildren. 

Nicolle: What strategies does Mimi's Bakehouse employ to adapt to the evolving hospitality landscape?

Ashley: Diversify! Trying to source other income streams away from day-to-day café goings-on such as online, wholesale, wedding cakes, celebration cakes, pop-ups, events, office catering and corporate orders.

Also trying to focus as much as possible on costs and ensuring every pound needs to be spent, things are going to get harder in 2025 so this is so important. Lastly the point again about good staff, they will get you through and ensure we are providing the best service possible when people choose to come to spend their money with us 

Nicolle: How does Mimi's Bakehouse aim to become an Edinburgh institution for future generations?

Ashley: Keep up standard, keep growing our behind-the-scenes operations, hire good people, ensure quality and listen to our customers  

Mimi’s Bakehouse has become more than just a bakery—it’s a cherished part of Edinburgh’s community, bringing people together over handmade treats and warm hospitality. With its commitment to quality, family values, and adapting to industry challenges, the Bakehouse continues to thrive and set new standards. As it looks toward the future, Mimi’s remains dedicated to preserving its legacy while embracing innovation, ensuring that generations to come can enjoy its signature bakes and welcoming atmosphere.

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator and content creator. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.