Mr Simms Old Sweet Shoppe, Bath

I’d been in the Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe in Bath before and bought a raspberry chocolate log and a Mint Chop Chip Chocolate bar which I didn’t think was all that great. And as I’d just come out of the House Of Minerva with some great chocolates and I had a big visit to Fudge Kitchen the next day I decided not to buy anything else on this trip – so my ratings are from a mixture of visits.

Location
The Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe is basically on the same street as Minerva, although this end is called Westgate Street. It’s just a touch further of the main street however, but close to the theatre so I’m sure it’ll get quite a bit of passing trade from that. Actually, whenever I’ve been in it’s been very busy so I think that’s a good indication of its location.

Score: 10/10

Appearance
From the kerb the shop looks pretty rustic and jam-packed full of chocolate and sweets. There’s nothing that would put you off going in, but it did lack a bit of the “wow-factor” that I would have hoped for.

Score: 9/10

The Walk In
It’s not hard to find chocolate – it’s basically along the left-hand wall, the jars of sweets are along the back wall and various other bits and bobs on the right-hand wall. It’s pretty easy to find stuff as you just work around the shop.

Score: 8.0/10

Selection
I don’t think they make anything themselves, it’s either rebranded chocolate, or from national chocolate companies. I did notice this time, however, that they’d got some Amatller in – which I thought was bit strange from a traditional sweet shop. Most of the selection was obviously aimed at tourists than the average buyer.

Score: 6.5/10

Staff
Whenever I go in its always well staffed – you’re never left waiting for someone to help and when I asked for a receipt, which it looks like they don’t normally give, they were very helpful.

Score: 8/10

Prices
I found the prices a bit higher than I’d usually expect, but they do get a lot of tourists in so it’s understandable that they’d raise their prices a bit.

Score: 6.5/10

Taste Test
The chocolate I did taste wasn’t all that great. But I do think I need a larger sample to give a complete score.

Score: 6/10

Can you Buy Online?
No

Overall
It’s not my favourite sweet shop of all time.

Score: 6.75/10

Would I go back?
Mmmm, probably.