Sweet Shops in London: A Delicious Guide to the Capital’s Best Treats

London is a city famed for its culinary diversity, and among its most beloved food offerings are the many sweet shops scattered across the capital. From traditional British confectioners to modern artisan chocolatiers, the city caters to every sweet tooth imaginable.

Whether you’re hunting for nostalgic childhood treats, exquisite handmade chocolates, or quirky international sweets, this guide to the best sweet shops in London will help you find your sugar fix.

The Legacy of British Sweet Shops

Sweet shops in the UK have a rich heritage. In earlier times, these charming establishments were an integral part of British childhood, often lined with rows of glass jars brimming with sherbets, bonbons, humbugs, and liquorice.

While some sweet shops in London still evoke this nostalgic charm, many others have evolved into stylish boutiques offering gourmet delights, rare imports, and even vegan options.

Traditional Sweet Shops in London

If you’re looking for a taste of the past, London has some incredible traditional sweet shops where the décor and flavours take you on a trip down memory lane.

Hope & Greenwood (Covent Garden)

Located in the heart of the West End, Hope & Greenwood is a retro-style paradise. It offers everything from rhubarb and custards to flying saucers and cola cubes. The vibrant, vintage-inspired décor mirrors the candy colours of the sweets on display, making it as visually delightful as it is tasty. This shop is ideal for nostalgic gift-giving or simply reliving the days of pick ‘n’ mix.

Hardys Original Sweetshop (Multiple Locations)

With several branches across London, including Covent Garden, South Kensington, and Charing Cross, Hardys is one of the most iconic names in the British sweet industry. Stocked with hundreds of varieties of traditional sweets – from pear drops to army and navy tablets – Hardys pays homage to the golden age of British confectionery. They also carry a range of novelty items and beautifully packaged treats, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe (Baker Street and more)

This shop transports you back in time with its wood-panelled walls, classic jars, and friendly service. Mr Simms offers a blend of British favourites, American candy, and even handmade fudge. Their attention to detail and traditional packaging make it a hit with families and vintage enthusiasts.

Artisanal and Luxury Sweet Shops in London

London’s sweets scene isn’t just about nostalgia. A new wave of sweet boutiques is redefining the confectionery game with craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury.

Rococo Chocolates (Chelsea, Belgravia)

Rococo is a boutique chocolatier that has become synonymous with elegance. With beautifully designed shops and a commitment to fine ingredients, Rococo offers everything from truffles to bars infused with exotic spices and botanicals. Their artisan chocolates are ethically sourced and crafted in small batches, making them a top-tier choice for those seeking gourmet indulgence.

Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates (Soho, Camden Passage)

Renowned for pushing the boundaries of flavour, Paul A. Young’s award-winning shops are a must-visit for chocolate connoisseurs. Expect bold creations like Marmite truffles, port and stilton chocolate, and sea salt caramel bonbons. Each item is handmade and changes with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and dynamic offering all year round.

Charbonnel et Walker (Royal Arcade, Mayfair)

A favourite of the Royal Family, Charbonnel et Walker represents the crème de la crème of British chocolate-making. Located in the elegant Royal Arcade, the shop exudes luxury, offering classic truffles, chocolate-dipped fruits, and their signature pink champagne truffles in ornate gift boxes. This is the place for an opulent treat or a regal gift.

International Sweet Shops in London

London’s multiculturalism is well reflected in its sweet shops, where you can sample treats from every corner of the globe.

Korea Foods Market (New Malden)

A haven for Korean snacks and sweets, this market is a great place to explore something different. From chewy rice cakes (tteok) to honey butter chips and chocolate-covered biscuits, it’s a sweet journey into Korean culture.

Hema (Victoria and Kingston)

This Dutch retail chain offers a wide variety of affordable European sweets, including stroopwafels, gummy sweets, and liquorice. Hema is perfect for discovering the unique flavours of Dutch and Scandinavian confectionery.

American Candy Stores (Oxford Street, Leicester Square)

These shops stock the widest range of US sweets in London, including Reese’s, Hershey’s, Sour Patch Kids, and Twizzlers. While pricier than their American counterparts, they’re perfect for those craving an authentic American sugar rush.

Vegan and Health-Conscious Sweet Shops

London also caters to those with dietary restrictions or health-conscious preferences, offering a number of vegan, gluten-free, and organic sweet options.

SugarSin (Covent Garden)

SugarSin is a chic candy boutique known for its gourmet, alcohol-infused gummies, like prosecco bears and rum truffles. It also carries a range of vegan sweets, sugar-free options, and luxury gift boxes. The playful presentation and high-quality ingredients make it a hit with modern sweet lovers.

Planet Organic (Various Locations)

For those seeking clean indulgence, Planet Organic offers raw chocolate, vegan truffles, and naturally sweetened snacks. It’s a health food store first, but its confectionery section is surprisingly extensive and thoughtfully curated.

Vegan Sweet Tooth (Online and Events)

This vegan bakery and confectioner frequently appears at food markets and vegan festivals in London. Offering everything from doughnuts to handmade chocolates, they ensure indulgence without compromise on ethics.

Sweet Shopping in London Markets

Markets are an integral part of London’s culinary scene, and many feature local sweet vendors and independent confectioners.

Borough Market

Borough Market isn’t just for cheeses and charcuterie. Here, you’ll also find handmade fudge, artisan chocolate, nougat, and baked goods. Look out for vendors like Whirld Fudge or Artisan du Chocolat.

Camden Market

Famous for its eclectic vibe, Camden Market offers plenty for the sweet-toothed wanderer – from bubble waffles and churros to Thai rolled ice cream and American-style cookies. It’s an adventure of flavours and cultures.

Old Spitalfields Market

Combining history and hipster charm, Spitalfields features trendy stalls offering handmade marshmallows, macaron towers, and gourmet lollipops. It’s an ideal stop for artisanal gifts and Instagrammable sweets.

Tips for Sweet Shop Shoppers in London

• Check for allergies: Always read labels, especially in international or artisanal shops.
• Look for offers: Many shops offer bundle deals, especially around holidays.
• Visit during festive seasons: Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day bring special editions and exclusive treats.
• Explore gift packaging: Many sweet shops offer bespoke boxes and ribbons, perfect for presents.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a liquorice addict, or simply looking for the best pick ‘n’ mix in town, sweet shops in London offer an incredible variety of treats to explore. From heritage-rich stores to avant-garde chocolatiers, the capital delivers a candy-coated experience that’s as rich in flavour as it is in tradition.

So next time you’re in London, step into one of these sweet havens – you might just discover your new favourite indulgence.