I'm pretty sure this used to be called 'Candy 'n Cards', but this has been a childhood staple…read moreouting of mine. The shop is essentially just a large newsagents, but they do sell a lot of hard-to-find magazines, including some US beauty mags and obscure science-fiction ones. They also have a huge chocolate and sweet section, but what kept me going back there is the fact that they sell scampi fries crisps, which seem to be impossible to find anywhere. Apart from this, they also sell postcards and small gifts. The staff in there are very lovely and helpful, too.

I popped in this Saturday because I heard a rumor that Candy & Cards sold pipe tobacco 'ye olde…read moresweet shop' style (as in loose, from tubs) and I was not disappointed! Visible from the main thoroughfare of the store, there is a clear tobacco section in the left-hand corner behind the counter in which they sell not only loose American Blend pipe tobacco but also to my surprise loose aromatic Auld Kendal hand rolling tobacco. I believe that this is the only store in the area that still sells tobacco in this way. Of course they also sell OTC tobacco as well, but it was the specialist loose stuff that I came for. I've reviewed the tobaccos here: Auld Kendal Strawberry Hand Rolling Tobacco (http://rlstevenson.co.uk/auld-kendal-strawberry-hand-rolling-tobacco-review/) American Blend Peach Pipe Tobacco (http://rlstevenson.co.uk/american-blend-peach-tobacco/) The store owners, presumably husband and wife, are very friendly & welcoming and when questioned knew a great deal about tobacco and provided excellent advice. They even let me smell a few tubs of aromatic! My only qualms are that the store closes quite early (on a Saturday they close at 15:30) which makes it quite difficult for me to get there during opening times. The store also has quite a few empty shelves. Please don't let this store fall victim to the harsh economic times! Tell your friends about its wide selection of aromatics. I highly recommend it.

What a good local newsagent should be. Great range and friendly, family service.read more