A controversial candy shop opposite Canterbury Cathedral has unexpectedly closed.

The American Candy Shop in Buttermarket has long been subject to criticism from residents over its pink exterior and what they deemed as pricey confectionery.

Sitting opposite Christ Church Gate - just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral - the shop first raised eyebrows when it took over the site in September 2021.

After replacing Fancy That of London - a gift shop that had been trading for multiple years - city goers were unimpressed by the change in colour scheme.

Fancy That of London announced its closure in July 2021 in what was being called a “temporary departure”.

However, the sweet store soon moved in and made their mark on the building, painting it a vivid pink - a stark contrast to the black frontage it has sported for many years previously.

Commenting online, one sceptic asked “How did that colour get planning permission?” while another added “It’s hardly in-keeping with the aesthetic.”

It is understood the former candy store could be transformed into a gift shop.

Workers were spotted on the site this week, adding a fresh coat of light grey pain and busy inside too.

Westgate councillor Michael Dixey said it was “a shame to see any business close down” but that he had first-hand knowledge of grievances linked to the shop.

“Going back a few years, I have had complaints about the colour scheme,” began the deputy leader of Canterbury City Council.

“Obviously the council has no control over what it could be, we can’t dictate what sort of store it is.

“I hope whoever moves in can make a go of it - although if it is a gift shop there’s no shortage of those in the city.”

When asked if it was a positive the new colour scheme would be more sympathetic to the area, Cllr Dixey simply replied: “That would be a very fair comment.”

Should plans for a gift shop come to fruition, it would be the latest in a long list of souvenir stores to call Canterbury home.

Less than a minute’s walk away is the Canterbury Cathedral Shop, Wrapped! and Walrus & Oyster Emporium, all in Burgate.

Also available in the city is Harry Potter-themed House of Secrets in Mercery Lane.

There is also Hardy’s Original Sweetshop and Canterbury Makers – the latter of which is part of the Marlowe Arcade in Whitefriars.