Celebrating 150 Years of Cranch’s Sweet Shop
Celebrating the Oldest Sweet Shop in Devon
‘Cranching’ the Numbers of a High Street Hero
It’s been keeping the good people of Salcombe in confectionary for more than 150 years, its iconic pink and white striped awning instantly recognisable along the town’s bustling Fore Street – the oldest sweet shop in the whole of Devon.
View this post on Instagram
The colourful history of Cranch’s Sweet Shop dates all the way back to 1869, the year it first opened its doors to a steady stream of sweet-toothed shoppers. Today, the stacks and shelves remain crammed full of tempting treats and delectable sweet jars, capturing a wonderful sense of nostalgia with their array of traditional family favourites. So many of our guests say a trip to Salcombe isn’t complete without a visit to Cranch’s for a bag of lemon bonbons, candy shrimps or some good old-fashioned pick ‘n’ mix.
View this post on Instagram
‘Have been coming to the area on holiday for most of my life and each time a visit to Cranch’s is essential. The holiday isn’t complete without one of their pink and white stripy bags’ Charlotte on Facebook
More recently, this fabled candy shack flew the flag for the sparkling sailing town of Salcombe when it received centre spread in British Airways’ High Life magazine, invited into a hall of fame comprised of the One Hundred Best of British Things and rubbing shoulders with some of the UK’s most celebrated brands…not bad going for a once humble humbug merchants which started out making hard boiled sweets in copper pans on a kitchen stove in the back of the store.
View this post on Instagram
It comes as no surprise that Cranch’s has an fondant army of fans singing its praises all over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, a constant stream of smiley-faced uploads, all with bulging pink ‘n’ white striped bags in hand, striking poses outside this venerable South Devon establishment…eat your heart out Willy Wonka and all your Oompa-Loompas!
View this post on Instagram
You might well see Cranch’s out on the road and pitching up with sweet stalls at various festivals and shows all over the lovely South Hams, you can even visit its sister sweet shop set on the historic flagstones of Totnes Fore Street for some extra chewtorials.
‘Went into Cranch’s sweet shop (Totnes) today with my teenage daughter. It was like stepping back in time. I saw jars of sweets I liked 45 years ago but have seldom, if ever, seen since…left with a nostalgic smile on my face’ says Simon on Trip Advisor
We at Toad Hall Cottages wanted to doff our caps and give a sherbet covered thumbs up to one of the West County’s undisputed high street heroes and a proper Salcombe stalwart, 150 years and counting!
Discover the attractive seaside town of Salcombe when you book a self-catering holiday with Toad Hall Cottages. Surrounded by some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and enchanting trails, this historic harbour town is the ideal base for your South Devon getaway…it’s a real sweetie!