Penrith’s The Toffee Shop owner Neil Boustead hangs up apron

THE MAN who has supplied toffee to Royalty and to some of the country's poshest stores for over 40 years is hanging up his apron.

Neil Boustead of The Toffee Shop, whose patrons include Buckingham Palace, is retiring and will hand over to Penrith businesswoman Kathryn Graves. 

Formerly a London-based human resources manager for a large international company, Kathryn has come 'home' to Penrith to run the toffee shop.

She said: "I am from Penrith. When I heard that Neil wanted to retire it was too good an opportunity to miss."

She said there will be little change under her ownership and she has retained the 15 staff members that work for the company.

The Toffee Shop with its pretty frontage is a remarkable business that has been built up by Mr Boustead, using a toffee recipe passed on to him from generations before.

The renowned confectionary outlet makes and sells toffee to clients such as Fortnum and Mason, Highgrove Shop in Gloucestershire, Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. 

Closer to home the toffee is delivered to Cranston’s and J & J Graham, as well as continuing the commitment to delight patrons locally and further afield.

HRH Prince Charles visited in 2003 and had a go at toffee making himself.

New owner Kathryn said she has had a long-standing love of the shop since childhood when she would pass by on the way to school. 

"To be honest, The Toffee Shop was an integral part of my childhood. It was the best fudge and toffee I’d ever tasted and in truth, still is.

"I have an enduring fascination for this artisan confectioner with their secret recipe. 

"It gives me great pride to join such a long-standing local business, with a talented and committed team.

"To be part of the local community, providing employment for others in the town and indirectly to local vendors is a real privilege."

She said she is grateful to Neil who will stay on for a time until she can find her feet.