Our Family Business Story

Mimi’s Bakehouse is a second-generation family business established in Edinburgh in 2010, when Michelle Phillips (Mimi) sold her family home to open a bakery café in Leith. We have gone on to build a local success story brand that gives people a ‘hug when they walk in the door’ as the business has gained five more shops, a successful website selling cakes online and a concession at Archerfield Walled Garden. We also opened an industrial bakery in March 2020, out of which most online trade is produced for fulfilment. Mimi’s Bakehouse has become one of Edinburgh’s best-loved bakeries and an award-winning brand which is a well-known “feel good” place to visit, while remaining small enough to go the extra mile and try new things.

What Mimi’s is All About

We have had a strong family business since day one and are popular with children, parents and grandparents alike. While most of the company’s founding family members now take on management roles behind the scenes, they are ever-present in the daily running of the business and can often be seen helping in the café or the bakery. By adapting to the ever-changing landscape of hospitality and pushing forward with new ideas and concepts, we hope to make our family business an Edinburgh institution for generations to come.

Who’s Who?

Michelle and Mike Philips
Managing Directors

Michelle and Mike founded the brand in 2010 from their passion for home baking and excellent customer service. Michelle is now President of the Scottish Bakers Association and has won multiple awards, including Scotland Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2018), Scotland & NI Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2023) and Scottish Baker of the Year Award 2023/4. Michelle and Mike are so proud to work alongside her three daughters, Ashley, Natalie and Gemma, who are now the heart of their family business.

Ashley Harley
Chief Operating Officer

Ashley joined the family business in 2013, managing the company’s events team. She has since become Chief Operating Officer with her personable approach to business development. Her guilty pleasure is cake for breakfast!

Natalie Togher
Finance Manager

Natalie has worked at Mimi’s Bakehouse from day one! With a background in banking, Natalie manages all things finance and has the loudest laugh in the company. She also loves to tear up the mic at a karaoke.

Gemma Clearie
Head Baker

Gemma worked very closely with her mum, Michelle, on the opening of Mimi’s Bakehouse. She has spent over a decade learning and developing Michelle’s classic recipes and honing her skills for baking – a true perfectionist! She now manages our awesome team of bakers at our industrial bakery unit.

Scottish Baker of the Year 23/24

We won! In May 2023, we were crowned Scottish Baker of Year at the Scottish Bakers Awards. With 630 products from 70 bakers in the running, we are beyond proud and overwhelmed by this achievement.

Family Photos and Memories