When some Chicago friends visited London recently I took them to Poppies in the east end to enjoy some fish and chips. I was delighted to be given a handful of BlackJacks and Fruit Salad chews with the bill. I also noticed a couple of sweet dispensing machines on the way out containing Jelly Beans and Chewing Gums. I spotted another Jelly Bean machine at Fix, the cool coffee bar in Whitecross Street. While I was browsing around Upper Street I saw a range of retro inspired sweets at M&S – Foam Bananas, Rhubarb and Custard and Shrimps. At After Noah, also on Upper Street, I came across a well-stocked tuck shop featuring popular classics like Parma Violets and Sherbet Fountains. On my way back from India I was handed a mini packet of Love Hearts by Virgin Atlantic just as the plane was about to land – passengers smiled and laughed as they were reminded of their childhood treats. Love Hearts have licensed their recognisable design and you can buy a stamp set from Rockett St George featuring their witty sayings. If you want to get your hands on some good old fashioned sweets then check out the Gifted Penguin, they have a great range presented in a Superman and Wonder Woman hamper. Credits: text and images by Homegirl London, additional images courtesy of Rockett St George and Gifted Penguin.
BlackJacks and Fruit Salad with the bill, Poppies, 6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QE,
Sweet dispensing machines, Poppies, 6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QE,
Sweet dispensing machine, Fix Coffee, 161 Whitecross Street, London EC1Y 8JL,
Retro sweets, Marks and Spencer, 5 Liverpool Road, London N1 0RR,
Retro sweets, After Noah, 121 Upper Street, London N1 1QP,
Love Heart stamp, £7.50,
Superman Retro Hamper, £19.99,
Wonder Woman Retro Hamper, £19.99,
