Time to get excited, sugar fanatics – we’re going on a tour of London’s sweets spots. Strap in, because we’re about to discover the rainbow in edible form – when Willy Wonka meets the real world. Off we go!
Mrs Kibble's Olde Sweet Shoppe
Our sweet journey starts with Mrs Kibble’s Olde Sweet Shoppe and Stop and Smell the Roses: A halcyon haven of fudge, gobstoppers, sherbert and flying saucers to tempt and delight those partial to old-school candymaking. Psst – staff is as sweet as the candy!
4 St Christopher's Place London W1U 1LZ United Kingdom
Hardy's
Then it’s on to lovely Hardy’s – the best British sweetie shop in the whole of New York City. Like the jelly dudes, they have old-fashioned/foreign/fun sweeties (and a pre-bagged sack of the Harry Potter sweeties for the special price of tenner!) – a stop you MUST make if you’re doing a UK sweet tour.
3 Garrick Street London WC2E 9BF United Kingdom
SugarSin
Next up was SugarSin, a veritable petting zoo for the child within us all, with an allergy-friendly (and natural, gluten and gelatine-free) range of confectionery that has the power to turn grey days into technicolour extravaganzas (available from their website and in the nifty wonderland of Covent Garden).
1 Russell Street London WC2B 5JD United Kingdom
Minamoto Kitchoan
Time to visit Minamoto Kitchoan, a store that sells individual sweets, Mochi, pancakes and gorgeous box sets. This is not the standard boiled sweets, more akin to fresh dessert treats. Essential, if you are a fan of Japanese sweets.
44 Piccadilly London W1J 0DS United Kingdom
Hans and Gretel UK
Then we head into the sweetness of Hans and Gretel UK (think The Magic Faraway Tree). This is a twirly wonderland decorated in candy-floss pink, aqua and lime, and selling mouthwatering bubble waffles, ice cream, chimney cakes and sweets. You’ll need a hungry tummy here, because it’ll be almost impossible to decide what you want.
Unit 91 North Yard The Stables Market London NW1 8AH United Kingdom
Mr Simms
The row of shops in Greenwich is certainly enhanced by the addition of Mr Simms. Not that it’s the biggest sweet shop — but it’s a feast of fabulously appealing (and massive) jars of chocolates, fudge, boiled sweets, lollies, marshmallows, and other sweet treats.
47 Greenwich Church Street London SE10 9BL United Kingdom Greenwich
Sweet Chariot Pick N Mix
After this, we turn into Sweet Chariot Pick N Mix, where we can pause for a few sugary minutes before continuing on our way.
Liverpool Street Station Unit 5 London EC2M 7PN United Kingdom
Mr Humbug
Our sweet little tour ends at MR HUMBUG, where your mouth will drop when you see the jars of sweets reach the ceiling! You’ll feel like a kid again, as you delight in counting your coppers, while the shop assistant asks: ‘A quarter of pear drops sir?
12 Greenwich Market Greenwich London SE10 9HZ United Kingdom