A much-loved traditional sweet shop in Knutsford which had been run as a franchise for 13 years has now gone fully independent. 

Formerly Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe on King Street, the newly-branded Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe re-launched on Saturday, October 1, though continues to sell the same sweets and chocolates its many customers know and love.  

Saturday's re-launch event included a facepainter, and visits from both Knutsford town mayor Mike Houghton and Chase from animated TV series Paw Patrol.

Owner Julia Chard said: “It was time to bring it home to Knutsford. It feels amazing!

“I have loved the past 13 years, not just serving in the sweet shop but becoming fully immersed in the local community, charities and events.

“The day-to-day running of the shop remains the same – the same staff, the same great customer service – and I am still the sweetie lady!

“Parting ways (amicably) with the franchise is the right move for me, as it gives me greater freedom with branding, packaging, and the future direction of the shop.

Knutsford Guardian: Owner Julia Chard with staff members Katie Chaplin and Emma Routs and Chase from Paw Patrol (Charlie Norbury Photography)Owner Julia Chard with staff members Katie Chaplin and Emma Routs and Chase from Paw Patrol (Charlie Norbury Photography) (Image: Charlie Norbury Photography)

The shop’s new branding, which includes a humbug in the designs, reflects owner Julia deep commitment to Knutsford.

It is a reference to Old Humbug Cottage in Toft, one of the oldest buildings in Knutsford, where, at the turn of the last century, a lady lived who was renowned for making the best humbugs in Cheshire.

Julia added: “I was delighted to find out about the story of Old Humbug Cottage. Mary Ann Curbishley made humbugs  there which were the best in the district and melted in the mouth.

"We still sell a huge amount of humbugs here.

Knutsford Guardian: Old Humbug Cottage: Knutsford Heritage SocietyOld Humbug Cottage: Knutsford Heritage Society (Image: Knutsford Heritage Society)

“A huge thanks to Knutsford Heritage Centre for their help with the history of Old Humbug Cottage, and to John from Knutsford Hosts being an absolute star as our resident Chase!

"In the meantime, we are open as usual, and I am happy to still be known as Knutsford’s sweetie lady despite our new name!”

"If any Knutsfordians have more information or even memories of Old Humbug Cottage, please get in touch."