Stretched languorously over a large site at the Shore in Leith, Mimi’s Bakehouse has been plumping up the waistlines of Edinburgh’s cakerati since 2010. There are often queues at the weekend, so book a table, plan for off-peak feasting, or be prepared to salivate for a few minutes before sitting down to decadence.

The Bakehouse elicits squeaks of joy from its loyal patrons, who come back again and again for serious fun and serious cake. Styled as a sort of bakery boudoir, Mimi’s interior is Montmartre kitsch meets Elizabeth Taylor’s tea table. Staff are bright and breezy, and no wonder, surrounded by so many tottering towers of sugarcraft.

Scones are as fluffy as a feather pillow and served with cream and homemade jam. The traybakes are generous and quirky, with sweetie-shop favourites such as Oreo cookies, Mars Bars, Crunchies and Mint Aero whipped into even more delectable confections. For a perfect, classic mouthful, opt for Mimi’s legendary caramel shortbread. My favourite? The red velvet brownie with a cheesecake swirl – so squidgy, so unctuous, it was love at first bite.

For those who find the ten-minute bus ride north from Princes Street too arduous, city-centre indulgence can be found at Mimi’s Picnic Parlour, a tiny offshoot on the Royal Mile opened in summer 2013, with just a few tables and the same groaning cake counter for takeaway delights. They’ll even give you a sixth cake free if you buy five. You couldn’t possibly… you shouldn’t really…

Images by Anita Joseph and STVphotos on Flickr