Go Fudge Yo'self shop opens at Chantry Centre in Andover

Go Fudge Yo’self launched on Saturday, October 25, at Unit 49, High Street in Andover’s Chantry Centre, taking over the former Scope unit next to CEX and EE.

The shop is run by sisters Laurien Griffiths and Ashlyn Edwards, who were born and raised in Andover.

Laurien said: "The big day, it's finally here and it just feels amazing. I'm just so happy that we have done it.

"We've taken the leap, and we're here, and we're just chuffed.

"Ashlyn and I are born and bred here, so to open up in our town centre is amazing. It is something that we've always wanted to do."

The move to the town centre marks a new chapter for the sisters, who started the business, which sells fudge and sweet treats in more than 50 flavours, at Andover’s Basepoint Business Centre.

Laurien added: "Starting at Basepoint was a good idea as we wanted to see if this was going to be popular.

"Since then, it's just been growing and growing, so coming to town was a no-brainer."

Go Fudge Yo'Self the grand opening. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

Her sister and partner in the business, Ashlyn, said: "It is surreal to see where we are now.

"It just started with what was an idea, so to see us here now is crazy."

The shop offers a wide range of sweet treats, with the sisters planning to keep expanding their selection.

Councillor Iris Andersen, Jan Budzynski and Debbie Cattell of Test Valley Borough Council cut the ribbon to officially open Go Fudge Yo’self, calling it a positive step for Andover.

Cllr Andersen said: "Tremendous, because what you've got to think of, everybody's becoming independent now, but to be independent as a business is a big thing.

Iris Andersen welcoming everyone into Go Fudge Yo'Self. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

"Everyone likes to come into a sweet shop, it's a bit like having Harvey's that we used to have at the top of the town.

"This is very important to the community, it is for the families, and it is also part of the revitalisation of the town centre, it will bring people into the town.

"This was definitely something that was missing in the town centre.

Jonathan Edwards and Barry Griffiths, the husbands of the duo, were both at the opening, helping serve customers and supporting their wives in their new venture.

Jonathan Edwards and Barry Griffiths husbands of the two owners. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

Jonathan said: "It is quite a big achievement and a really special day.

"There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this and a lot of panic, but it has turned out really well.

"Everything here is really nice, they do really nice flavours and because it's homemade, it's fresh and tastes amazing.

"It's great to see it open, as you can see how much Ashlyn and Laurien have put into it.

"I am really proud of them for sticking with it and getting it to this stage today."

Barry, who also runs the shop's TikTok account, said: "It is emotional, it's been hard, I think starting one or two years ago in our kitchen to come to this is mind-blowing.

Sweets on display at Go Fudge Yo'Self. (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

"We know the town, we all grew up around the area, so to see it get to this point is incredible.

"Just seeing them behind the counter and how happy they are to get to this point is massive. I am so proud."

Go Fudge Yo'Self, in the Chantry Centre, will be open Monday to Sunday.