Choc-full of charm, The Sweet Shop of Whitebridge in Stone

A brand new shop dedicated to handmade chocolate, retro sweets, and locally sourced treats is opening its doors in Stone this month.

Opening at 10am on Thursday 19th June 2025, The Sweet Shop of Whitebridge will be the newest addition to Whitebridge Industrial Estate, sitting right next to the already-popular Chocolate At Home Studio.

The man behind the counter is David Wolstenholme, who recently retired after nearly three decades with Staffordshire Police. With the guidance of his partner, master chocolatier Paul A Young, David has spent the past year training, learning, and crafting his own range of fine chocolates. After playing a key role in launching Chocolate At Home earlier this year, he’s now taking the next step with a shop of his own.

“I’ve been immersed in the world of chocolate thanks to Paul,” said David. “From attending specialist fairs to learning how to temper and blend from the best, this shop is the natural next step for me.”

A showcase of handmade treats and rare finds

Visitors to The Sweet Shop of Whitebridge can look forward to:

• Handmade chocolates crafted on site
• Chocolate wafers, brownies, fudge, and cookies
• Retro sweets and 11 types of liquorice sourced from across Europe
• A carefully curated “bean to bar” chocolate range featuring small batch producers from across the UK

There will also be bespoke orders available for weddings, corporate gifting, and special events. Many items are seasonal or made in small batches, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

A sweet addition to Stone

Stone was always going to be the home for this new venture. “I grew up here, went to school here, and my family still live here,” said David. “It means a lot to open something in a town that’s been such a big part of my life.”

As well as offering something truly different for local residents, the shop is expected to draw in visitors attending the chocolate workshops next door. Being linked to a working chocolate studio – with support from a world-renowned chocolatier – means many of the products here simply can’t be found elsewhere in Staffordshire.

Opening details and what to expect

The doors open on Thursday 19th June at 10am, and the first ten customers will receive a free 100g box of Madagascan Vanilla fudge, handmade by David.

The shop will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to start with, and will extend its hours to match the Chocolate Studio class schedule. Updates will be shared via social media.

Sustainable, ethical, and proudly handmade

Everything from the packaging to the ingredients has been chosen with care. The shop uses biodegradable and compostable packaging where possible and avoids artificial additives that can trigger sensitivities. Some products are vegan-friendly, vegetarian, or dairy-free, and allergens are clearly marked.

Visit and follow

• 18a Whitebridge Industrial Estate, Whitebridge Way, Stone
• Opening: Thursday 19th June 2025, from 10am
• Facebook: The Sweet Shop of Whitebridge
• Instagram: @thesweetshopofwhitebridge

Whether you’re after something indulgent, nostalgic, or a little bit different, The Sweet Shop of Whitebridge promises to be a treat for all ages.