Rawtenstall, in the Rossendale valley of Lancashire, had a population of around 22,000 — a former cotton and footwear town built along a steep-sided valley, with a couple of unusual survivals from its Victorian heyday.
The world's oldest surviving temperance bar
Mr Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar on Bank Street was established in the 1890s and is recognised as the oldest surviving temperance bar in the world, still serving alcohol-free herbal cordials and sarsaparilla from the original Victorian fixtures and fittings. Temperance bars were once common across East Lancashire's mill towns, part of a wider Victorian movement against alcohol, but almost all of them closed over the 20th century — Rawtenstall's is one of the last still trading in its original form.
The town is also home to Whitaker Park, gifted to Rawtenstall by the Whitaker family, whose former home now houses the Rossendale Museum and an art gallery set in landscaped grounds above the town.
What that history doesn't leave behind
Rawtenstall's temperance and mill-town heritage didn't extend to a dedicated sweet shop or wholesale supplier — for bulk bags, pick 'n' mix by the kilo, or vegan and halal-friendly ranges, there's nowhere local set up for it.
Why Rawtenstall shoppers order online anyway
Tucked into a narrow valley with Rossendale's other small towns strung out along it, Rawtenstall is well served for a lot of things — but for bulk sweets, ordering online and having it delivered is simpler than a trip further afield.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Rawtenstall included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Rawtenstall?
Yes — UK-wide, including Rawtenstall, Lancashire, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Why is Rawtenstall known for its temperance bar?
Mr Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar, established in the 1890s, is recognised as the oldest surviving temperance bar in the world.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Rawtenstall?
Not locally — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Rawtenstall addresses instead.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.