I tried the super decadent Easter treats at Edinburgh's finest bakery

At least, I think I do. It’s just, I’ve had so many recent disappointments. They’re either like stale rolls with a few raisins chucked in, or whatever bonkers creation the supermarkets are punting - see Marks & Spencer’s current red velvet number. I’ve forgotten what the true essence of this Easter delight is.

Hooray, then, for Lannan. If anywhere is going to do a corking hot cross bun, it’s this lauded bakery, which was awarded La Liste’s World’s Best Bakery in 2024, and is known in the Capital for its never decreasing queues.

They’re not only producing this traditional creation. Also, for Easter, and available for a week after the big day on Sunday April 5, they’ve got a few other seasonal delights.

I go along to bag a couple of them, with a spring in my step like the bunny, who DOES exist BTW.

I’m collecting from the new Lannan Pantry, so the bakery queue, which is already forming at 10.07am does not phase me. I go straight into the wee shop next door. There are gorgeous things in there right now. I didn’t know I needed tea-light candles in the shape of caneles or cherries, or a cucumber barrattiere (like the Grinch in veg form), or Italian chocolate eggs in Rococo packaging, but I do.

My branded box is waiting for me behind the counter. Precious cargo bagged, I speed home like a rocket.

First, the hot cross bun (£4). What a stunner. It’s glossy on top, and smells like oranges. It feels a bit like sacrilege to cut it in half and toast it, but I have to, so I guiltily stuff its soft body into the machine. Then, a thick layer of butter. It is gorgeous, with loads of zest and currants in the mix, and just a hint of spice. A classic hottie, without a twist in sight.

My other two goodies include the Devonshire split inspired hot cross bun (£6). It’s basically a icing sugar dusted spiced milk bun, cut open like a hot dog roll and filled with a piped-on flourish of pale yellow and gorgeous ginger, cinnamon and vanilla whipped custard. There are cubes of candied peel on top and they glow orange and yellow.

Sounds sweet, but it’s lighter than your average cake. It’d be good with a cup of tea at 3pm.

Finally, I sample the Valrhona Dulcey Chocolate nest (£7.50), which is scandalously, outrageously chocolatey. Jeez-o. I feel it’s too early in the day to experience this kind of black magic. It features flaky pastry, a clutch of mini pastel-coloured chocolate eggs, and tons of chocolatey ganache, piped on in a nest-like fashion. There is chocolatey rich caramel custard in the middle too. It is utterly decadent.

You have just got to submit. After all, in for a penny (two a penny, hot cross buns).

29-35 Hamilton Place, www.lannanbakery.com

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