SPOTLIGHT
WITH THEIR ANTIQUE SCALES AND SHELVES LINED WITH COLOURFUL JARS, OLD-FASHIONED SWEET SHOPS CAN STILL BE FOUND ACROSS THE UK. HERE ARE FIVE OF THE BEST
1 Gordon & Durward, Crieff
This Perthshire institution has been catering to sweet-toothed locals since 1925. Step inside and you’ll discover shelves stacked with classic confectionery — including crumbly Edinburgh rock, fluffy Scottish macaroons and sugar mice — plus glass display cases full of animal-shaped novelty chocolates. Peer through the window at the back of the shop to watch the staff making sweets by hand. scottishsweets.co.uk
2 Mr Humbug, Greenwich
David Fireman’s parents run a traditional sweet shop in Norfolk. In 2004, he decided to bring this family expertise to London, specifically Greenwich Market, where Mr Humbug’s pink-and-white striped facade certainly stands out. Visitors can stock up on butterscotch, gobstoppers, toffees and more — all weighed out in quarter pounds, just like in the old days. mrhumbug.com
3 MrsBeightons Sweet Shop, Haworth
At this cheery, family-run store on Haworth’s Main Street, you can take your pick from more than 500 varieties — including boiled sweets, caramels and gummies. Besides British childhood classics, there are US favourites such as Pop Tarts, Rees
