New dessert parlour and sweet store, Hans & Gretel has opened at LabTech-owned Camden Market in North Yard, which marks the start to the festive season with the installation of Camden’s first ever ice rink.
Located on the corner of North Yard, opposite Roly’s Fudge, Hans & Gretel, the childhood-inspired treat utopia of desserts and sweets, spana 1,000 sq ft.
It showcases the theme of Hansel & Gretel’s fairy tale, with an interior designed by the operator’s in-house team, capturing everything from hanging giant lollipops and marshmallows to enchanted trees decked in fairy lights. There's also a replica of the storybook’s Candy House inside the store for guests to step inside and have their photo taken to capture that all-important Instagram moment.
Customers can expect Chimney Cake, a sweet dough spun and roasted on a spit to make a crisp, buttery cone that’s caramelised to a crust then dusted with sugar and filled with ice cream and sweets.
There are also Fantasy Cones, waffle cones filled with soft serve ice cream and topped with freshly spun candy floss, Freakshakes, a stand-alone candy floss station, and a selection of pick 'n' mix sweets from around the world.
Linda Lee, Co-Founder of Hans & Gretel, London, commented on the opening in Camden, “The diverse and eclectic background of Camden Market provides the perfect setting for Hans & Gretel’s first UK opening. As the Market embraces its 45th anniversary, it's an exciting time to join, and be involved in its visions for the future.
'We feel we’re bringing a touch of magic to the rejuvenation of the Market’s existing offering, and helping to establish the North Yard as a family friendly foodie destination and look forward to welcoming an audience of visitors of all ages from across the world.”
Also, a figure skating Father Christmas and elf duo has marked the opening of Camden’s first ever ice rink. At 25 metres long it is North London’s longest ice rink and is illuminated by twinkling fairy lights and available for visitors to enjoy until January 9, 2020. The dedicated Santa’s Grotto, provided by Ministry of Fun, adds to the immersive experience for the festive season, and is open to visitors until 23 December.
Maggie Milosavljevic, LabTech’s F&B Commercial Director, added, “From signing Hans & Gretel’s first UK store, to hosting Camden’s first ever ice rink alongside our interactive Santa’s Grotto, cements a unique and varied offer which we are confident will be popular with our visitors throughout the festive period and thereafter.
'Hans & Gretel’s choice of North Yard for their debut store also highlights Camden’s credentials as a leading destination for Londoners and international visitors. Our festive activities will enrich Camden’s already varied entertainment offering, as well as complementing our current vibrant food and beverage offer.”
Fuelling the festivities, yuletide specials will be served across the North Yard’s restaurants, cafes and delis. From an epic vegan Christmas Burger from Rudy’s Dirty Vegan Diner, extraordinary Christmas Hampers at Camden Grocer, Festive Films at FEST, to the return of The Cheese Bar’s Fondue Menu and chance to explore the new dessert parlour and sweet shop wonderland, Hans & Gretel - the latest addition to the North Yard’s dining line up.
