Lannan Bakery in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge has become so popular that it has now employed a warden to manage the daily queues on the narrow pavement outside its premises.

From as early as 6 a.m., dozens of customers line up along Hamilton Place hoping to grab one of Darcie Maher’s cult-status pastries—flaky laminated buns, seasonal Danishes, or pistachio cruffins that often sell out by mid-morning.

Whilst this buzz about bakery is a sign of success, it’s also has led to safety concerns, especially regarding young people passing by from the local primary school.

This unusual situation reflects a broader trend: Bakery tourism, which is on the rise. Food-savvy travellers now make pilgrimages to artisan bakeries such as Lannan. What was once a local food shop is now a destination with the likes of Instagram and TikTok amplifying the allure, transforming humble pastries into must-have experiences.

Lannan’s popularity isn’t just about food; it’s about ritual, aesthetic and authenticity and is just one of the many success stories demonstrating how small bakeries are becoming major cultural attractions in the age of edible escapism.

Photo credit: LANNAN Bakery Photography by ZAC and ZAC