When Twelve Triangles first arrived in Melrose, it brought more than just sourdough loaves and cinnamon buns – it brought a sense of warmth and belonging to the town’s heart. Founded by Emily Cuddeford and Rachel Morgan, the much-loved bakery now runs two unique outposts in the Scottish Borders: the compact High Street shop, affectionately known as “Little Melrose”, and a larger café on Market Square that opened in June 2025.
“Melrose has such a strong sense of community,” says co-founder Emily. “Our aim was to create spaces that feel part of everyday life – somewhere people pop in for their morning coffee or gather for a relaxed lunch at the weekend.”
Little Melrose first opened in 2022, offering Twelve Triangles’ celebrated breads, pastries and coffee to take away. After a short hiatus, the bakery reopened its doors on 1st December 2025, restoring the comforting rhythm of coffee grinders and the scent of fresh croissants to the High Street. The takeaway menu remains a showcase of the brand’s best-loved offerings – from buttery Croissants and Pains au Chocolat to Vegan Lemon Cardamom and Cinnamon Buns, all served alongside coffee from Allpress.
The shelves are filled with loaves such as soft Focaccia, White Sourdough Tin bread and Miche Loaves made with a mix of grains, while Fridays bring freshly baked plaited Challah – a ritual many locals look forward to.
Just a short walk away, the new café on Market Square has quickly become a social hub. Designed with families and long, leisurely catch-ups in mind, the space combines large arched windows with deep ochre walls to create an atmosphere that feels both bright and homely. “We wanted it to be somewhere with a bit of soul,” explains Rachel. “Most of the furniture has been sourced from local antique dealers – everything has a story.”
Guests can settle in for dishes that reimagine comfort food with the bakery’s signature flair: Porridge with Seasonal Compote, Brown Butter Waffles, and Sourdough Cheese Toasties made with Scottish Cheddar and Cultured Butter. Regulars also relish the House Baked Beans with Sourdough Toast, alongside an evolving menu of seasonal specials from the kitchen.
Around the café, generous shelves showcase a thoughtfully curated range of homemade and locally sourced goods – enamelware, handmade ceramics, and kitchen tools hand-picked by Emily and Rachel. Visitors can also take home Twelve Triangles’ signature jams, granola, coffee, and croissant biscotti, as well as chocolate made in collaboration with Ocelot. Their debut cookbook, Kitchen Table: Simple Things Made Well, sits proudly among the collection.
You Might Also Like:
Downstairs, plans are underway to transform a third room – complete with an original antique stove – into a reading room, offering a quiet retreat for guests seeking a slower pace.
From its humble bakery beginnings to its new Melrose café, Twelve Triangles continues to blend craftsmanship with a local touch. As Emily reflects, “It’s not just about baking. It’s about creating spaces where people feel looked after – where good food and good company go hand in hand.”
