An award-winning confectionery brand is to bring its live theatre, craftsmanship and iconic fudge-making experience to Chester.
Fudge Kitchen, known for its handcrafted fudge, immersive customer experiences and artisan heritage, has announced plans to open a new shop in the city – marking their first new store opening in a decade.
The Watergate Street store is scheduled to open in August and represents a significant milestone for the independent 40-year-old brand.
Fudge Kitchen Chester will bring the company’s unique blend of live fudge-making demonstrations, artisan confectionery and memorable customer experiences.
In line with the company’s 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, the company has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations, championing quality ingredient sourcing, zero-waste fudge making and responsible packaging and printing solutions.
The new store in Chester will be the company’s seventh, with other locations including Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Windsor, and York.
Ian McCluskey, Fudge Kitchen Retail Director, said: “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.
Alongside welcoming visitors, Fudge Kitchen is keen to become an active member of Chester’s business and cultural community.
