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This 60s favourite sweet is back in UK stores- and its got fans feeling nostalgic
"I'll be in for some, can't beat the yellow and the green, never buy Starburst but won't pass these without buying some, thanks B&M," one happy fan commented.
Big bags of Opal Fruits have been spotted on the shelves, and shoppers are feeling pretty nostalgic about it, reports The Manc.
After the crushing news this week that iconic tropical fizzy drink Lilt has been discontinued after nearly 50 years on UK shop shelves, and rebranded and replaced with the brand-new Fanta Pineapple & Grapefruit, people have taking to social media to reminisce on some of their favourite nostalgic snacks and sweets that are no more.
And Opal Fruits seemed to appear pretty high up on the list for many.
Luckily though, B&M has reminded shoppers that it still stocks the retro sweets in some stores across the UK, and the news has definitely gone down a treat.
Opal Fruits may not be the easiest to come by nowadays, especially after the brand name was phased out in the UK and Ireland in 1998 and changed to Starburst to make it the same globally, but it does appear that they're sometimes still knocking around in their original format - if you know where to look, that is.
The budget retailer has tipped-off fans of the fruity retro sweet that they should probably get on down to their nearest store, as their shop shelves are stocked full of them.
"We have Opal Fruits if anyone is interested," B&M said on Twitter earlier this week to fans mourning the loss of Lilt and remembering the taste of Opal Fruits.
First introduced by Mars in the UK in 1960, and given the name by a man called Peter Phillips, who was the winner of a competition that won him £5, Opal Fruits were made in the four original flavours strawberry, lemon, orange, and lime.
Other seasonal and limited-edition flavours were introduced at later dates.
Many people will probably remember the sweet by brand's famous tagline "Opal Fruits - made to make your mouth water."
Opal Fruits were first introduced by Mars in the UK in 1960 / Credit: Mars UK
After B&M shared that Opal Fruits were stocked in its stores, fans were feeling all nostalgic about the news and shared their love of the sweets on social media.
"Omg need, my mouth's watering just looking at them," someone wrote on Twitter.
Another fan said on Twitter: "I love the Opal Fruits, the lime flavour, also as a bonus the tropical or summer fruits would be nice, was never a big fan of the strawberry mix", while a third added: "Always fingers crossed for a high proportion of green ones. Always my favourite."
"This makes me love the UK," another said.
The retro sweets are back on the shelves at B&M / Credit: B&M
"People keep telling me Opal Fruits and Starburst are the same, they are so wrong," another sweet tooth said on Twitter.
"I'll be in for some, can't beat the yellow and the green, never buy Starburst but won't pass these without buying some, thanks B&M," one happy fan commented.
Topshop and its Joni jeans have launched in 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, and we're absolutely buzzing about it.
Okay before we get your hopes up, the absolutely mega Topshop on Briggate is still gone for good, but the fashion brand has officially launched in our local John Lewis and its enough to get us feeling very nostalgic.
It's all part of a nationwide partnership with John Lewis that brings Topshop and Topman back into physical retail on the British high street.
From today, Topshop will launch in 32 John Lewis stores and online, featuring a curated edit of its most in-demand and premium pieces.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Topman will debut in just seven locations, including right here in Leeds - apart from Newcastle, it's the only northern site to do so.
So for those Leeds lads looking to level up their wardrobe, you can count yourself very lucky.
Michelle Wilson, Managing Director of Topshop, said: “Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love. From our cult denim to new‐season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day. Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis, added: “Topshop and Topman are brands with enormous cultural relevance, and their return to physical retail is something our customers are genuinely excited about. This partnership reflects our focus on bringing iconic names, strong style and compelling experiences into our stores.”
You can browse the Topman and Topshop collections online at John Lewis here.
Female-founded independent jewellery brand to open in Leeds’ Victoria Gate
Clementine Hall
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
The Hoot -
17th February 2023 
