An Edinburgh bakery has hired a "queue warden" after parents from a local primary school warned its long line of customers were forcing children onto the road. Lannan Bakery, in Edinburgh's Stockbridge, has become an internet sensation and has a constant queue outside its shop. But the pavement is quite narrow and, when it gets busy, the line of customers can present a challenge to pedestrians. Bakery owner Darcie Maher told BBC Scotland News she had recruited a steward to prioritise the safety of children passing from nearby Stockbridge Primary School. Only eight people are allowed inside the Hamilton Place bakery at one time so the remainder stand outside on the street. Some parents are understood to have complained to the school that the queue was forcing their children onto the road. Ms Maher said: "The safety of the children and parents at Stockbridge Primary School is a priority for us at Lannan. "We continue to work closely with the school and have engaged a queue warden to manage the queue. "A new full-time member of staff has been brought on board for this purpose". Tourist Jasmine Rehberger, 22, from Kentucky in the US, emerged from the bakery with a strawberry and caramelised almond split. She added: "I've never seen a queue steward before. "It's very unusual but it's very logical though and makes sense. "It makes everyone organised and stops pushing into the bakery." Wendy Fu, a student from Beijing in China, waited in the queue for half an-hour to buy five cakes. The 23-year-old said: "I have never seen a warden at a bakery here in the UK but I have seen it in China, at places that have great marketing strategies for people to come. "We have come a long way from campus to be here and I think a lot of other people do the same. "I think its good that they have a tactic to keep people in line otherwise it would get really messy and block the road." Sophia Pearson, from Edinburgh, decided to join the queue after seeing lots of people with cake boxes walking past her shop further down the street. The 38-year-old said: "I was surprised they had a member of staff keeping it from being overcrowded but I've never seen it at a bakery before. "They do have a crowd to manage so I get it. "The warden was polite, so I think they are doing a good job." Yushan Han, an Edinburgh University student from Hebei in China, said she visited the bakery after seeing it on social media. The 23-year-old added: "I've come here three or four times and there is always a queue here. "The pavement is too narrow so it is hard for people to pass but I think they have no choice because it is not easy for three people to walk along there in a line. "The last time I came here, one month ago, they didn't have a person to keep us in line but now they do. "I think what they have done now is a good idea so others can go past." Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, the City of Edinburgh Council's Transport and Environment Convener, said: "Our officers have had productive conversations with both Lannan and Stockbridge Primary School over these concerns. "I understand that the bakery has now taken on an extra member of staff to manage the queue which is a step in the right direction. "We want to support our businesses and make sure everyone can move around safely. "We'll continue to monitor the situation and engage as appropriate with the relevant parties."
Edinburgh bakery so busy it has had to hire a 'bouncer'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Edinburgh Bakery Implements Queue Management to Ensure Safety for Local Schoolchildren"
Bbc News
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Lannan Bakery, located in Edinburgh's Stockbridge area, has gained popularity and become an internet sensation, leading to long queues outside its premises. The bakery's owner, Darcie Maher, reported that the growing customer base has raised safety concerns, particularly for children attending the nearby Stockbridge Primary School. Parents expressed worries that the queue was forcing their children onto the road due to the narrowness of the pavement. In response to these concerns, Maher has taken proactive measures by hiring a 'queue warden' to ensure the safety of both children and parents. The bakery limits the number of customers inside to eight at a time, requiring many to wait outside. The 'queue warden' is tasked with managing the line and maintaining order, allowing pedestrians to pass safely without obstruction. This decision reflects the bakery's commitment to community safety and its effort to work in collaboration with the local school.
The introduction of a queue steward has drawn mixed reactions from customers, many of whom find the initiative to be a practical solution. Tourists and locals alike, such as Jasmine Rehberger from Kentucky and Wendy Fu from Beijing, have commented on the unusual but sensible approach to managing the crowd. They noted that similar practices are common in high-traffic areas in their home countries. Local residents, including Sophia Pearson and Yushan Han, also highlighted the necessity of such measures given the bakery's popularity and the resulting congestion. Councillor Stephen Jenkinson from the City of Edinburgh Council expressed support for the bakery's decision, acknowledging the productive discussions that have taken place between the bakery and the school regarding safety concerns. The council intends to continue monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and accessibility of the area while supporting local businesses like Lannan Bakery.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights an interesting situation at Lannan Bakery in Edinburgh, where a "queue warden" has been hired to manage the long lines of customers, which have caused safety concerns for local schoolchildren. This unique response to a growing business is indicative of broader social and economic trends.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The decision to hire a queue warden emphasizes the bakery's commitment to community safety, particularly for children. By presenting this story, the bakery aims to enhance its reputation and position as a responsible local business, while also addressing complaints from parents. This demonstrates a proactive approach to customer service and community relations.
Community Perception
The article may foster a positive perception of the bakery within the local community, portraying it as a business that values safety and customer experience. Such an initiative could encourage more parents and families to visit the bakery, thus potentially increasing its customer base. The emphasis on organization and safety could resonate well with families, who often prioritize their children's safety.
Hidden Agendas
There doesn't appear to be any significant hidden agendas in this article. The focus remains on community safety and the bakery's efforts to manage its growing popularity. However, the bakery could be leveraging this situation to draw more media attention and boost its brand image.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article seems credible as it provides direct quotes from the bakery owner and customers, which adds to its authenticity. Additionally, the context of the bakery's location and the safety concerns raised by parents lends weight to the report.
Public Sentiment and Economic Impact
This news could positively influence local tourism and the economy, as a popular bakery may attract more visitors to the area. It reflects a growing trend where small businesses prioritize customer safety, which may encourage other businesses to adopt similar practices.
Target Audience
The report likely appeals to families, local residents, and tourists. The focus on children’s safety and the unique service of a queue warden could resonate particularly well with parents who are concerned about pedestrian safety.
Market Implications
While this story may not have direct implications for stock markets or global trading, it can influence local business dynamics and inspire similar practices in the food service industry. As more businesses focus on safety and customer management, this could lead to broader trends in customer service strategies.
Global Context
In terms of global dynamics, this story reflects a growing awareness of community safety in business practices, which is increasingly relevant in various contexts worldwide. It ties into discussions around public safety and customer experience amid rising consumer expectations.
AI Involvement
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI tools were applied, they might have influenced the language to make it more engaging or streamlined. The article presents a straightforward narrative that seems human-generated.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not overtly manipulate its audience, it does emphasize safety and community engagement, which may enhance the bakery's image. The language used is positive and supportive, aiming to build a favorable narrative around the business.
The overall trustworthiness of the piece is high, given its factual basis and the community-centered approach it promotes.