Just try to walk along High Street without going weak at the knees for a sugar fix: a staggering 4 of the top 5 places for a sweet treat in Stratford-upon-Avon have windows on High Street, offering a tempting glimpse into their world of treats, sweets, cakes, fudge and ice cream. Willy Wonka would have a field day.
These are Stratfordblog’s top 5 places for a sweet treat in Stratford-upon-Avon. Is your favourite here?
Top 5 places for a sweet treat in Stratford-upon-Avon:
Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen
27-28 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AU; website
This isn’t just gelato, this is Hooray’s Gelato, which means swirls of indulgence in the ice cream, including Ferrero Rocher, Oreos, and Snickers. Traditional flavours include strawberry, mint choc chip, and vanilla, for ice-cream purists.
The selection of gelato here is ever changing and seasonal, so there’s always something new to try. This pretty café, which also serves up waffles, sundaes, crepes and hot drinks, gets packed to its bunting-strewn rafters on a sunny afternoon, but for locals and visitors it’s a must-visit at any time of the year (I was among the many customers on Christmas Eve last year, enjoying a scoop or two between shopping and seeing the festive lights).
There’s a small children’s play area, a courtyard garden and a lounge upstairs if the downstairs tables and bars are full, which they often are.
Expect to pay: £7-8 for loaded (seriously, loaded) crepes, waffles and sundaes, and £2-4 for a couple of generous scoops of gelato.
The Steamhouse
15 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AU; website
The Steamhouse doesn’t just sell doughnuts, brownies and other baked goods, it stuffs them with tasty treats such as honeycomb, Creme Eggs, and even biscuits. It’s sweetness jam-packed with sweetness and it is good (sometimes there’s jam too).
The company, which recently opened its second branch in Stratford-upon-Avon (the first is close by in Leamington Spa), specialises in espresso and bagels – handmade and baked fresh every morning, but if you’re itching for a surge of sucrose, spoil yourself with a little something from behind the glass-fronted counter.
The venue itself is small, with benches hugging the walls and a cool combo of oak, pastels and metal drawing in a hip crowd.
Expect to pay: £2-2.50 for cakes and other baked goods; £5.50-7 for a bagel with nachos.
The Stratford Sweet Shop
57 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PT
An emporium of sweets, there are jar-stacked shelves, novelty items, fudge, lollies, cupcakes, Belgian chocolates, childhood favourites and so much more.
As a long-running family business in Stratford and just down the street from Shakespeare’s Birthplace, The Stratford Sweet Shop is a favourite of both visitors and locals.
Expect to pay: There are sweets for pence and gifts for pounds so everyone will be happy.
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop
39 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AU; website
A worldwide chain of shops specialising in retro sweets and American treats, a kaleidoscope of brightly-coloured packets lure visitors through the door of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop in High Street.
Traditional favourites tipped and weighed from the jar include aniseed balls, kola cubes, sherbet lemons and bon bons. A journey to your childhood via your tongue is guaranteed.
Expect to pay: This is pocket-money territory, where giddy kids can come out with goodies for less than £1.50.
Roly’s Fudge Pantry
20 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AU; website
You know that unmistakable feeling when you’re close to a branch of Lush and you smell it before you see it? It’s the same with Roly’s Fudge (which, incidentally, is across the street from Lush). If you’re lucky, there’s a treat for the eyes too, when the marble slab in the window is employed by the friendly staff for the cooling, stirring, shaping and slicing of the latest batch of handmade fudge. Once you’ve seen that, there’s no going back.
Fudge flavours include vanilla clotted cream, butterscotch, and sea salt, which is my personal favourite. Look out for seasonal specials too, which include hot cross bun fudge at Easter.
Expect to pay: From £3 for a small bag.
What do you think? Is there anywhere else you indulge your sweet tooth in Stratford-upon-Avon? Post your comment below.
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Information correct at date of publication