Old style pick 'n mix home delivery in Doncaster bringing people joy during lock down

Pretty Basra is an optician from Auckley but due to the coronavirus she is not working full time at Edwards and Walker Opticians apart from emergency appointments.

She decided to set up a small business during the pandemic with the plan to spread joy with pick ‘n mix sweets.

She said: “My kids are always on about sweets and there’s something about them that just makes people happy.

“I’m used to being so busy and the lockdown made me feel like something was missing so I decided to set up Pretty Sweets.”

As well as providing Pretty with a creative outlet it is also allowing her to spread positivity during a tough time.

“People have been ordering the sweet boxes as gifts for their loved ones who they can’t see at the moment,” she continued.

“Boyfriends are sending them to girlfriends and family members to one another as birthday gifts.

“There is the option to add a message and I get emotional when reading them sometimes - I see myself as the middleman who is able to connect these people who miss one another.”

The sweet boxes come in four different variations: Sugar and Spice, Reach for the Sky, Candy Shop, and Shizzle ma Fizzle.

They are available in two sizes, the 500g is £10 and the 1Kg is £15.

All of the boxes are made up of sweets you would typically find at a pick n mix as a child - fan favourites include cola cubes, foam shrimps, and jelly strawberries.

“This week I’m donating £1 of every box sale to the NHS,” Pretty said.

“It’s absolutely amazing what they’re doing and just remarkable.”

Pretty is planning to rotate the charity she is donating to on a weekly basis.

From next week there will also be an option for a fudge box as Pretty has partnered with Amy Smith Confectionary who makes unique flavoured fudge in Tickhill.

You can order here.

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