13 years of sweet success for Knutsford Confectionery Business #News
Victoria Hayes
4th October 2022
Well established and much-loved sweet shop, Mr Simms, has re-opened as a fully independent sweet shop under the direction of its founder Julia Chard. The launch of the new brand was held on Saturday 1st October with Knutsford Town Mayor in attendance, along with Chase from Paw Patrol plus a face painter with donations going to Knutsford Heritage Centre. 
The change means the King Street sweet shop will be known as Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe but still stock the much-loved sweets and chocolate that appeal to both children and adults – the latter often re-visiting their childhood favourites.
Julia, said, “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. It has been great watching little reception children visit the shop with their parents and then return for a treat when they are about to set off to university! The past couple of years obviously haven’t been easy but the shop has come through it thanks to the support of my wonderful and loyal customers and staff. However, parting ways (amicably) with the franchise is the right move for me. It gives me greater freedom with branding, packaging, and the future direction of the shop. However, the day-to-day running of the shop remains the same – I am still the sweetie lady!” 
Julia’s commitment to Knutsford is reflected in her carefully chosen branding. Knutsfordians may have heard of Old Humbug Cottage in Leycester Road. After chatting to the volunteers across the street in Knutsford Heritage Centre, Julia discovered the cottage was home to Mary Ann Curbishley, her husband and three daughters. She made and sold the best humbugs in Knutsford and Toft just for a few pennies! This piece of Knutsford history underpins the new branding which was created by local marketing agency Bella Marketing and Design. This discovery, along with Knutsford Host John Smethurst undercover as Paw Patrol’s Chase, ensured the launch was a truly Knutsford affair.
Julia continues, “I was delighted to find out about the story of Old Humbug Cottage. Mary Ann, made humbugs which were ‘the best in the district….and melted in the mouth.’ If any Knutsfordians have more information or even memories of Old Humbug Cottage, please get in touch. A huge thanks to Knutsford Heritage Centre for their help 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!”
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Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe – 119 King Street, Knutsford, WA16 6EH.
Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday and Sunday 11am – 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm