Sweet Shops. They have brought joy to millions of children and adults alike for centuries. Yet In the modern world it seems the likes of Cadbury’s, bassets and supermarket pastries have replaced an iconic piece of British and international culture. However, you need not despair! In Brighton there is much to sample from in the way of artisanal sweets to make everything feel right in the world. Whether it be jellied confection, for your delectation, or a sweet feathery pastry at a reasonable fee; Brighton has many purveyors of sweet treats that make for the perfect indulgence. Read on to discover our top picks!
Caramella
Caramella is likely the most famous sweet shop in Brighton, standing the test of time. Dating back as far as 1988 Caramella has been serving the people of Brighton from before the fall of the Berlin Wall. They are a long running family business, offering a huge range of sweets, as you’d hope a pick ‘n’ mix shop would. Thousands upon thousands of Brighton raised citizens have grown up spending their pocket money here. Naturally, for a lot of people that live here, it’s the best sweet shop in Brighton, with some customers even arguing it’s the best in Britain. It’s an overwhelming selection of sweets. There’s even a wall of liquorice. Why liquorice can create that sort of demand is a mystery to me, but no matter your tastes, you will be completely spoiled for choice. You will feel like “a kid in a proverbial ‘candy shop’.” They even have a website, which seems to embody its roots, with the appearance a webpage from the 90’s, but far more tasteful, and pleasant on the eyes. They offer a delivery service, selling Jelly Belly by the Kilo, pick ‘n’ mix bags, liquorice and more!
29A Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Nomad Sweets
Nomad’s sweets is another Pick ‘n’ mix shop, its name inspired by the nomadic lifestyle of the owners, with their recent move taking them from the U.S.A to Brighton. Catering to vegans, the gluten intolerant and even providing Halal options, it’s surely the most inclusive sweet shop in Britain. In addition to pick ‘n’ mix, they provide a massive selection of American ‘candies’ and even operate as a café! Yes, you can enjoy a Latte and a Butterfinger from the same shop in the UK, a service I had no idea I wanted, but am so glad to have at my disposal.
7 East St, Brighton BN1 1HP
Teba Sweetland
Teba is not a traditional British or Western sweet shop. You won’t find jelly sweets, or hard candy or a hint of sherbet. But, you will find lovingly prepared fresh, authentic baked ‘sweets’, with crumbly pastries and cakes from the Middle East. Great coffee and Baklava is a pairing you may not have tried, but will wish you’d had sooner. Offering vegan and vegetarian options, there’s no reason not to expand your palette and try something new, or re-visit a childhood favourite from back home. With quite stunning presentation, and delectable flavour, it’s heavily recommended for anyone with a penchant for fresh pastry.
83 Boundary Rd, Hove BN3 5TD
Audrey’s Chocolates
Audrey’s is a gorgeous chocolatier that feels right out of a movie. Existing in the same place for over 70 years, Audrey’s is a five storey town house, with every floor dedicated to producing and packing chocolates. The phrase ‘master chocolatier’ is thrown around by many commercial chocolate companies in adverts. Audrey’s, however, has every right to consider itself the master chocolatier of Brighton. Their chocolate is exactly what you’d hope it would be. Gorgeous, just like the shop. Piquant fondant creams, made using traditional starch trays. Gooey ganache, caramels, butterscotch and marzipan, made in copper pans or using small tables. It’s all made with quality being the number one focus, and it really shows. They have earned a reputation as a high standard institution of chocolate, taking no shortcuts to deliver the perfect chocolate escape.
28 Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1JJ
Roly’s Fudge
Roly’s Fudge provides an ambrosial experience, as easily one of the best sweet shops in Brighton. Through the mouth watering taste of their handmade, well crafted fudge, and the thick viscous smell that saddles the air in the shop, it’s a sensory overload. It truly is intoxicating, and will put you in a sort of Fudge daze. Whether by Roly’s design or not, it’s hypnotic and no doubt works to their advantage. Once you enter, they’ve got you, and you won’t be able to resist buying some. With a dozen or so seasonal flavours, there’s healthy choice to decide from.
The selection is smaller than the other places on this list, though of course, their fudge is crafted to perfection. Proof that you should always go for quality over quantity. Also, they offer a number of vegan options and even a subscription service for monthly fudge deliveries! So if you are down for a getaway, and can’t bear to wait before you are next in Brighton to have some more of their delicious fudge. Don’t panic! You can have it delivered to you as much as your heart desires(Or can cope with!), thanks to their website.
9A Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Oliver’s Brighton
Oliver’s is a mysterious shop that sits on the side of the narrow, steep Trafalgar Street. It’s a peculiar premises, only allowing those who make appointments access. But, by no means is it an exclusive shop. You won’t find Haute Cuisine or bespoke secret confectionery. It instead provides an experience for those with an interest in a certain wizard. For any Harry Potter fan, Oliver’s is an absolute must. Their store contains a menagerie of Harry Potter memorabilia for you to purchase. However, its their faithful recreations of some of the iconic sweets from the books and films, that puts them on this list.
It’s all official. They provide an array of treats hot of off Honeydukes express. From Chocolate Frog’s to the now infamous Bertie Botts every flavour beans. Best of all is the opportunity to try the legendary, decadent, Butterbeer. You can book half an hour appointments, requiring a £10 deposit. However, there is no pressure to buy anything should you find Oliver’s wares not to your taste. Whether you buy anything or not they will return your deposit. It’s one of Brighton’s best reviewed shops for a reason! Try it for yourself, Potter fan or not, it’s worth it just for the Butterbeer.
42 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4ED
