Kent-based traditional confectionery business Fudge Kitchen has made notable strides with the development of its latest store in Chester, Cheshire set to open this summer, reports Neill Barston.

The company, which has previously been a winner of our World Confectionery Awards – (which remain open until Thursday 23 July for our 2026 event via the following link to our dedicated website ) has continued on a notable growth track. See our exclusive recent video with the business, in which its future plans are discussed.

Its Chester site will be the artisan production firm’s first new location for a decade, with the business having its main production from its manufacturing site in Wingham, Kent.

As the business confirmed, its forthcoming Chester store at 6-8 Watergate Street is scheduled to open in August and represents a significant milestone for the business. It signals a new chapter of growth for the independent brand, which has been delighting visitors across the UK for more than four decades.

Located in one of the country’s most vibrant heritage cities, situated in the UK’s Northwest, Fudge Kitchen Chester will bring the company’s unique blend of live fudge-making demonstrations, artisan confectionery and memorable customer experiences to residents and visitors alike.

In line with the company’s purposeful sustainability ethos and commitment to decarbonisation, it will be the first Fudge Kitchen store to run fully on renewable energy – featuring only electric cooking appliances powered by renewable energy sources. Since becoming employee-owned in 2022, Fudge Kitchen has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations, championing quality ingredient sourcing, zero-waste fudge making and responsible packaging and printing solutions.

The opening builds on the success of Fudge Kitchen’s six established locations in Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Windsor, and York, where the shops have become popular attractions, drawing visitors with the sight, sound and aroma of fresh fudge being crafted by hand in-store throughout the day.

Speaking on the launch of the new location, Ian McCluskey, Fudge Kitchen Retail Director, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Fudge Kitchen to Chester. The city’s rich history, strong visitor economy and vibrant independent retail culture make it a natural home for our next chapter.”

“Our shops are more than fudge shops. They’re destinations where visitors can experience traditional craft skills in action, meet passionate makers and discover the story behind every batch. We’ve seen how our other stores in UK cities with strong visitor economies have become part of the fabric of those destinations, and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the Chester community too.”

The announcement comes at a time when destination-led retail experiences continue to play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors to high streets and heritage locations. Fudge Kitchen’s emphasis on craftsmanship, theatre and customer engagement has helped the brand remain resilient and relevant within an evolving retail landscape.