The beloved bakery will close its Stockbridge branch early next year.

Locals have been left ‘devastated’ after a popular bakery announced it is closing its branch in Stockbridge after a decade.

The Pastry Section, renowned for its mouth-watering cinnamon buns, took to social media on Wednesday to share the news it will not be renewing its lease on Raeburn Place and will welcome customers for the last time on Sunday, February 14.

Founder and owner Lesley Stewart said: “Our 10 year lease at SB is up at the end of February’27 and after much deliberation we have decided to not renew.

“In the current climate the thought of signing another long lease was not something I felt comfortable with and leaving our space on Raeburn place on our terms when we are still in a good position felt like the most natural way to hand this amazing space over to someone new.

“We have had an amazing ten years here and I wouldn’t change it for the world. What I will share is that I’m TIRED. Since opening Leith my work schedule has been non stop with a non existent work life balance.

“I turn 50 next year and I have spent the last 10 years doing everything I can to make Pastry the success it is however there is only so much I’m willing to put my whole self and my family through.

“Our incredible team have been kept up to date with all our plans and have been so supportive of our decision.

“This is not a backwards move for Pastry and we are looking at it far more as a positive than a negative. Myself and the team still have so much ambition and so much we want to achieve with Leith and The Box.

“In a highly competitive Edinburgh café market to stay true to our brand and stay at the top of our game this is best way forward.”

Almost 200 customers and fans of the bakery have since shared their well wishes.

Pippa Perriam, an Edinburgh food and drink influencer, commented: “So sad! But this sounds like the best decision for you guys - and I’ll be using this as an excuse to up my bun consumption while you’re still just down the street!”

Another customer said: “Lesley, this is very bittersweet. I am absolutely devastated you’ll be closing Stockbridge, but delighted you’ll have more time for yourself, your family, and have a better work life balance.

Fellow business owner Laura Bond said: “Genuinely devastated to hear this but as a small biz owner I completely understand that decisions at the moment have to put the business first.

“I will miss you so much but will 100% be visiting you in Leith and at the box. Better get my rocky road fix every weekend until then!”

Edinburgh influencer Shawna from @exploringedinburgh added: “The end of an era. Thank you for so many wonderful pastries and memories at your Stockbridge branch! You should be so proud of what you’ve achieved and you definitely deserve more of a work life balance. So glad that Leith is remaining!”