Traditional Doncaster butterscotch is still being made by a family owned business

Family-owned business Amy Smith Fudge are based in Bawtry and say they are happy to be part of Doncaster’s butterscotch history.

Alex Fowler, the owner, said: “The butterscotch used to be made by a company called Parkinson's but when they went out of business in the 70s they shared the secret recipe with us.

“They didn’t want the tradition to die out and trusted us to keep the history going.”

Alex says that they use the same techniques and methods that have always been used to make the butterscotch for over a hundred years.

Including making it in a large copper boiling pan with the same recipe.

“It’s impossible to know if the butterscotch tastes the same now as it did back in the day but we believe that it’s pretty close,” he continued.

“Butterscotch at the Doncaster races is the same as strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, it's iconic.

“Unfortunately it is no longer sold at the racecourse but we hope to bring some of that history back in the near future.”

For many decades the butterscotch was sold in hand carts outside of Doncaster Racecourse for racegoers to enjoy.

The sweet but brittle confectionery is a hard-boiled treat that is crunchy in texture.

Alex said: “We’re so proud to continue to make the butterscotch and be a part of Doncaster's history.

“Even though it is not a history that is well known we think it's a privilege to be able to share the old recipe with Doncaster people.”

The business has continued to operate throughout the lockdown in their Bawtry based factory.

“Covid-19 has had a big impact on us, we haven’t been able to attend festivals and fairs this Summer,” he said.

“But things are looking up I was able to bring back a furloughed staff member last week and online sales are doing well.”

You can purchase the traditional butterscotch here.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor