Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, St Ann's Square

Sweet shops are exclusively heaven for children, right?

Wrong. This newly opened, old fashioned sweet shop teases and tantalises the taste buds of adults and children alike. The dark wood interior that decorates the sweets disrupts the menopauses and mid life crisis of many-a-customer by hosting favourite flavours from their childhood.

Which flavours are these?

Pick ‘n’ mix goodie bags titled Retro, Old Skool and 80s’ Child encompass everything from fizz wiz to rainbow drops to bubbaloo. Rows upon rows of jars stock every imaginable flavour of bon bons and jelly tots, which allow the sweet toothed connoisseur to concoct their perfect cocktail of sugary goodness.

Sweet Shoppe

Is this a run of the mill retro sweet shop?

The shop will leave customers feeling nostalgic, but the huge selection of goodies means that new fads and crazes are also available in Mr Simms, keeping the trend setters happy chomping on their latest sweet style.

Jelly Belly and M&M’S brighten up a large segment of the wall, adding a modern taste to the typical pick ‘n’ mix.

I don’t like sweets, should I bother?

For the few people who are adverse to the temptations of sweets, it is useful to note that Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe stocks other goodies. An abundance of chocolate bars are on sale, some are even sugar free and thus a guilt free consumption for those who are watching their weight. Retro and difficult-to-get-hold-of cans of fizzy pop are available here, with the likes of Tab, Root Beer and Vanilla Coca Cola gracing the shelves.

Sweet Shoppe

How much will I spend?

There are prices to suit all pockets. Those wishing to splash their cash can do so on bumper bags and imports from America. For a typical 100g of pick ‘n’ mix, a mere 99p deficit is incurred.

When can I go and indulge on sweet treats?

Mr Simms is open from 9.30am–7.30pm although times may change depending on when customers want to fill their fix. This is a new shop, so they are still finding their feet and discovering when the people of Manchester need their sugar rush.

Is this the only one in the country?

Nope, there are loads usually in smaller towns where rents and rates are lower than in St Ann's Square. There's going to have to be some serious footfall if this is to survive. Perhaps it's a sign that absentee landowners around St Ann's Square and King Street are beginning to realise in the Digital Age that the retail world has changed and they need to adapt. Something to chew over with your humbug?

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is at St Ann’s Square, City. M2 7EF

Sweet Shoppe

Sweet Shoppe

Sweet Shoppe

Sweet Shoppe

Sweet Shoppe