Mansfield woman hoping for sweet success with new confectionery shop

Rachel Richards welcomed her first customers to Toffee Hut on Monday following the success of her online business she launched two years ago – which attracted large wholesale orders and interest from world famous names such as Harrods.

Now Rachel, who has had a passion for baking since perfecting recipes with her grandma when she was younger, is hoping her newly-opened shop will serve up more of the same at its Regent Street base.

“It started off from home, and sales were going well,” said Rachel.

"I began getting wholesale orders and big brand names enquiring about stocking my products, which was amazing.

"I wanted to future-proof the business so decided to look for retail premises, but obviously lockdown made everything much harder – so we’re just pleased to finally be open.”

Rachel prides herself on using local suppliers – serving Nottingham brand 200 Degrees Coffee alongside her confectionery – and will be selling cakes and other sweet treats from the new shop.

The premises also boasts a seating area which will be brought into use when lockdown restrictions are further eased, while Rachel also hopes to use a large wall as a gallery for artists to sell their work.

"I always focus on shopping local and sustainability, so it was import to use a local brand of coffee and sustainable packaging” she said.

"We've even brought out a range of reusable coffee cups. We’re looking forward to restrictions lifting further so customers can enjoy their purchases inside with a lovely coffee.

“The wall is a perfect space for a gallery, so we are hoping to find local artists who can display their pictures here for people to buy – it’s important that we have a community feel to the place.”

Nikki Rolls, chief executive of Mansfield BID, is backing Rachel’s new venture to prove a hit with locals.

“We wish Rachel good luck with the new venture, which we believe will be a sweet success,” she said.

To find out more, check out Toffee Hut on Facebook.

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