A quick chat with Amanda from Sweet memory lane

Ashby Adventures
Jul 30, 2017 · 3 min read

It’s no surprise that one of my children’s favourite shops to visit in Ashby is sweet memory lane on Elford street. It is a traditional sweet shop with an incredible selection of sweets and chocolates on offer. When the children used to have swimming lessons in Ashby on a Saturday morning it became a weekly tradition to pop into Sweet memory lane afterwards as a treat. The shelves are stocked with over 300 jars of sweets including everything from traditional hard boiled sweets to more unusual varieties including sugar free. There is also chocolates and a wide variety of gifts available. Now that we don’t have swimming lessons on the same day we are unable to go as often but my six year old son never forgets and always asks when we will be visiting again. I was curious to find out more about this independent gem of a shop so I got together for a chat with the lovely owner Amanda Gates.

Hi Amanda, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have had a varied background, I started out as an Estate Agent and still have a love of property. After having my Son I ventured into manufacturing, then as I headed towards my mid 40’s with no children at home I yearned to become creative. I took a Floristry Course at Nuneaton College, followed by a course in London at the Judith Blacklock’s Flower School. This gave me the bug to look for a career that was more creative.

What made you decide to start Sweet memory lane?

The shop was already established. Whilst I was looking for a floristry shop I did a little stint working in Sweet Memory Lane and loved it. It meant that I could combine both Flowers and Sweets. When the owner decided she wanted to move on to pastures new I bought it and knew that with a few tweaks I could turn it from just a Sweet Shop to more of a destination Gift Shop. It is fair to say I haven’t looked back.

What do you enjoy most about doing what you do?

I love the fact that no two days are the same, we have grown from a Sweet Shop serving sweets into a place where you can get presents for all the family. We work with lots of local businesses creating bespoke hampers for them and their clients We also have a great client in the USA who uses us for his gifts when he visits the UK. In a nut shell I love the variety you get in our little shop.

What do you love most about being based in Ashby?

It would have to be the lovely customers that come into the shop.

Just for fun, If you could choose a celebrity parent to come into the shop with their children. Who would you pick?

Without hesitation it would have to be Amanda Holden, she loves strawberry bonbons and we know this because when our fabulous Advent Calendar was featured on This Morning she was so excited that the bag she choose had them inside.

Ashby Adventures

An insight into the family friendly businesses in Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding areas.

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