Unleash your inner squirrel on the sweetest spots in Manchester. Beware: this expedition may prove addictive and induce wild candy cravings. You’ll also feel like a kid again. So fasten your seatbelt for a sticky ride.

Retro Sweets

First up in our sugary tour is Retro Sweets, in that bricks-and-mortar mecca for independent traders, Afflecks Palace. Here you can get old favourites like dip daps, nerds and wham bars, along with midget gems, pineapple cubes – cheap – all so cheap, they should change the expression ‘cheap as chips’ to ‘cheap as the sweets in Retro Sweets in Afflecks Palace’.

Afflecks Palace 52 Church Street Manchester M4 1PW United Kingdom

Sweet Sensations

Next stop: Sweet Sensations, at Arndale Market Food Hall: Where the blast of nostalgia is so overwhelming, you’ll be craving the good old school days, when a 20p packet was the highlight of your long journey home.

Arndale Market Food Hall Manchester M4 3AH United Kingdom

Over The Rainbow

Not too far away, hidden among the Manchester Arndale, you can find that American icon Over The Rainbow selling imported booze and sweets. Some of the best US brands line its shelves, like Reese’s, Fanta, and the very-American Arizona.

Manchester Arndale 180a Halle Mall Manchester M4 2HU United Kingdom

Sweet Reunion-Classic British Confectionery

Now imagine you’re at Sweet Reunion, a traditional corner shop dedicated to the retro experience: old-style (plate) scales, coupled with traditional British sweets in jars, sugar-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and Halal varieties, all whilst displaying the original manufacturers’ labels.

127 Vine Street Manchester M18 8SR United Kingdom

The Cadbury Factory Shop

Then it’s off to The Cadbury Factory Shop at the Lowry Outlet Mall. You line up ready to enjoy an excess of your favourite Cadbury candies. Cadbury coma have been reported. Prices might be extrodinarily cheap but all deals might not be so sweet.

Unit 20A Lowry Outlet Mall Salford Quays Salford M50 3AH United Kingdom

Delhi Sweet Centre

If you’re after something different – or you really can’t stop at one store – head to Delhi Sweet Centre. Go with your eyes closed and pick whatever looks good to you. This shop is the Willy Wonka of Indian sweets.

137 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 5AW United Kingdom

Ambala

And this is where we will conclude our sugar-frenzied tour in Ambala. This historic town is known for mouth-watering delicacies, and you’ll be yearning for more.

227 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 5AG United Kingdom