Hopscotch

This old fashioned sweet shop personably run by Alice and Michael Kentish is a temple to all things sugary. They sell a bewildering array of retro treats ranging from classic pear drops and bonbons to fudge and chocolates and everything in between (more than 550 in total). Three different types of rhubarb and custard, if you please. There are even various obscure and hard-core types of liquorice appealing to connoisseurs who apparently visit regularly to stock up.

Thankfully (for the sake of my waistline), most of these goodies are sold lose, taking me right back to childhood. On a recent visit I bought a small bag of chocolate coffee beans which I’m sure helped see me through most of election night. As well as being able to choose from the jars, there’s a pick and mix selection and lots of boxes, tins and other packs.

Another great feature of Hopscotch is their comprehensive range of baking accessories and cake decorations. Whether you’re making a formal celebration cake or a novelty birthday cake for a child, there’s plenty to choose from here.

They even have a loyalty card – as if you needed further encouragement.