Nostalgic Blog

Hello! First of all it has been a while, and we have missed all of our A Quarter of family! But worry not your favourite, nostalgia inducing, retro sweet treats are back and with some fantastic offers for you all – you can follow us on social media for regular updates, special offers annnnnd competitions!! So, how about to start a full jar of customer favorites- Squirrel cherry lips or floral gums now at £20.00 per jar whilst stocks last, that’s a min of 25% off, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds maybe check out our extensive special diets range including sugar free, vegn, vegetarian..

Fry’s Five Centres was a delightful concoction that graced the UK confectionery scene for many decades. This cherished chocolate bar brought a unique taste adventure with its five fruit-flavoured crème centres encased in a rich dark chocolate shell. From its inception in 1934 to its farewell in 1992, Fry’s Five Centres not only satisfied sweet cravings but also became a cherished part of the candy memories for many across the UK. The Unique Appeal of Fry’s Five Centres The allure of Fry’s Five Centres went beyond just a sweet treat. It was a playful guessing game, a fruity discovery wait..

The 1970s and 1980s were indeed a golden era for confectionery in the UK, a time when a visit to the sweet shop was nothing short of an adventure. Amidst a treasure trove of confections, there existed a chewy marvel known as the Texan bar. Its unique taste and texture made it a staple for sweet lovers, embedding itself in the delightful childhood memories of many. As we travel back in time, the story of Texan bars unfolds, revealing a sweet narrative that is as chewy and rich as the bar itself. The Birth of a Chewy Legend Launched in 1973 by Rowntree Mackintosh, the Texan bar was more th..

The Cabana bar, a cherished name in the annals of British confectionery, emerged as a sweet sensation that captured many hearts during its time on the candy shelves. Manufactured by the renowned Rowntree's, this iconic chocolate bar was a delightful concoction that promised a tropical escape with every bite. With a unique blend of coconut, caramel, and cherries enrobed in milk chocolate, Cabana bars were not just a sweet treat but an experience that transported you to a sweet tropical paradise. Historical Journey The sweet saga of Cabana bars began in the 1980s, marking a vibrant chapter..

The Banjo chocolate bar evokes a rich nostalgia among confectionery enthusiasts in the UK. With its unique flavour and memorable packaging, Banjo was not merely a chocolate bar but a sweet journey down the memory lane for many. Its journey through the confectionery landscape of the UK is an intriguing tale of sweet delights, which saw its inception, discontinuation, and a fervent reintroduction, marking its indelible imprint on the taste buds and hearts of many. The Initial Banjo Era Banjo first made its appearance in the Greater London area, delighting the palates of many with its disti..

Once a shining star in the UK's confectionery sky, Aztec bars embarked on a sweet journey that left a lasting impression on many taste buds. Launched in 1967 by the renowned manufacturer, Cadbury, Aztec bars entered the chocolate bar arena with a promise of a unique taste. Drawing parallels with the famed Mars Bar but with a distinct identity, Aztec bars quickly found a place in the hearts of chocolate aficionados. As we unwrap the story of Aztec bars, we delve into a narrative rich with sweet endeavours, competitive spirits, and a nostalgic legacy that continues to linger. The Tale Behi..

Introduction Delve into the sweet history of the UK, and you'll stumble upon a sugary gem known as Spangles. These delightful boiled sweets, crafted by Mars Ltd, painted the taste buds of Britons with a myriad of flavours from 1950 to the early 1980s. A reminiscence of simpler times, Spangles were not just a sweet treat but a nostalgic voyage to an era gone by. As we unwrap the story of Spangles, we venture into a sweet narrative intertwined with the cultural tapestry of post-war Britain. The Sweet Beginnings The tale of Spangles began in 1948, at a time when the wounds of the S..

Introduction Toffo was a cherished brand of toffee sweets that found a sweet spot in the hearts of many in the UK. Its unique, not-too-hard-not-too-soft texture and an array of flavours made it a beloved choice among sweets enthusiasts. Originating under the aegis of Mackintosh's confectionery empire, Toffo's journey is an intriguing saga of sweet success, rebranding, and an eventual, much-lamented disappearance from the market. The Origin of Toffo The sweet tale of Toffo began with the venture of John Mackintosh and his opening of a sweet shop in Halifax, Yorkshire, in 1890. The ince..

The History of Cola and Cola Sweets Cola is a carbonated soft drink flavoured with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus oils, and other flavourings. It became popular worldwide after the American pharmacist John Stith Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in 1886. The original Coca-Cola contained caffeine from the kola nut, which inspired the drink's name. Cola sweets, such as Cola Bottles, are shaped after the classic Coca-Cola style bottles and have a delicious cola flavour. These gummies are typically found in pick and mix selections and are well-known thanks to their Coca-Cola relation and flavour. ..

Background: What is Sherbet and Its History Sherbet is a sweet, fizzy powder that is both sweet and tart at the same time. It originated in the 1800s when chemists in Europe discovered the reaction of carbonate and acid. Sherbet was initially used to make a fizzy drink before carbonated drinks became common, after which it became a popular sweet. The word "sherbet" comes from the Arabic word "sharba," which means "a drink". In the United Kingdom, sherbet is also known as "kali" or "keli" Top 10 Most Popular Sherbet Sweets from A Quarter Of Sherbet Fountains: These iconic sweet..

Caramac bars are a classic confectionery treat known for their smooth, sweet, and creamy caramel flavour. While Caramac bars are often associated with chocolate, they are not chocolate-based - they do not contain cocoa, making them distinctly different from traditional chocolate bars. The Caramac bar is a nostalgic British candy that has been satisfying sweet tooths since its introduction in 1959. Produced by confectionery company Mackintosh's, the caramel-flavoured treat gets its catchy portmanteau name from "caramel" and "Mackintosh." Over the decades, the distinctive gold-wrapped..

Everything you ever wanted to know about Flying Saucers... with a few surprising facts thrown in too!

The 1970s and 80s in the UK weren't just about the flamboyant flares and shimmering disco balls. It was an era defined by a certain ethos – one of making things last. Back then, the essence of life was different – simpler in ways we often reminisce about today.   The emphasis wasn't so much in buying new things, but in renewing the old. It was a necessity back in the 70s, in our house at least.   Today's word is a wonderfully tripe-meaning word, where all meanings have faded from common modern use.   Cobblers!   As a child, hearing the word "cobbler"..

Here's a continuation in my series of "do people still say this anymore?".  And this week I've combined it with a competition to win one of our fab sweet hampers. Back in the late 1970's/early 1980's this person's name was the most common thing we said to express astonishment, frustration, disgust etc.  (in other words, the sort of things that nowadays would frequently yield a potty-mouthed sequence). We didn't know who the person was.  We didn't know why we were using their name... but in the playground it was bandied around as freely as the golf ball bubblegum. It i..

  Oh, the allure of the Fray Bentos pie! My mind tinkers back to the carefree 1980s, and I'm instantly whisked up in a nostalgic whirlwind of clinking cutlery, gleaming tins, and happy household chatter. Premiering on our modest dinner tables in the 1960s, these tinned marvels swiftly became a staple in our pantry, standing shoulder to shoulder with the quintessential Heinz baked beans and Cross & Blackwell pickled gherkins. Who amongst us can forget that first tantalising taste of a Fray Bentos Steak and Kidney pie? The familiar hum of the Belling oven pre-heating, the anticipa..

  Ah, the Magic Robot – the board game that was the epitome of a '70s childhood, or more like a jumble sale staple and the subject of many snarky remarks among cheeky kids. It was the kind of game that epitomised the phrase: "One person's trash is another person's treasure." The Magic Robot certainly had an enduring charm, but let's be honest, it was a bit rubbish, wasn't it? Would you believe that the star of the show, the eponymous Magic Robot, was nothing more than a glorified spinning top with delusions of grandeur? Our magnetic wonder boy would often misbehave, spinning ..

Ah, the good old days of the '70s and '80s, when British ingenuity was at its peak, and we could solve almost any car-related problem with a bit of elbow grease and a coat hanger. I can still remember the times when the car aerial would mysteriously go missing or simply snap off from one too many encounters with low-hanging branches. A trip to the store to buy a new one? No, that was far too simple a solution for us back then. Instead, we would rummage through the cluttered chaos of the garage, in search of the humble coat hanger, a staple of every British household. With some deft handiwor..

Ah, vinyl car seats - the "luxury" of the 70s and 80s. They were the true test of one's mettle on a hot summer's day. Picture this: a quintessentially British family summer trip to the seaside, packed into a beige Morris Marina. The windows rolled down, with the smell of fresh cut grass wafting in, mingling with the unique scent of vinyl.

Journey back with me, if you will, to an era when television was our magic portal to the fantastic and the extraordinary. Let us revisit a time when the cool, monotone hum of dial-up was still a distant future echo, and the flickering screen at the heart of our living room was the wellspring of our dreams and imaginings. There, in the warm, mesmerizing glow, we encountered him for the first time - the hero who captured our hearts and minds with his strength, speed, and bionic prowess. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you 'The Six Million Dollar Man'.