ABOUT THE OLD LOLLY SHOP

It all began in the early 1880s, when a skilled confectioner named Thomas Ransley opened a small sweet stall in the newly formed Adelaide Central Market. In an era before electricity and refrigeration, Ransley handcrafted his lollies using time-honoured methods—boiling sugar in copper pans, shaping it by hand, and wrapping it in waxed paper. He quickly became known for his high-quality boiled sweets, earning a loyal following of Market-goers.

In 1883, Ransley took on a 14-year-old apprentice named William Blackeby, making him South Australia’s first registered confectionery apprentice. Under Ransley’s guidance, William learned the art and discipline of sweet-making—skills that would one day define a family legacy. When Ransley passed away in 1884, his widow, Mercy, married fellow confectioner James Dumbrell, who continued to run the stall, now known as Dumbrell’s. William returned to continue his training and eventually married into the family, weaving the Blackeby name into the very fabric of the business.

By the early 1900s, William Blackeby had taken over the stall and made it his own. He introduced signature treats like humbugs, acid drops, peanut brittle, and coconut ice, establishing a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. These classics remain part of the range to this day, continuing to delight customers just as they did over a century ago.

Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, market fires, and generations of change, the stall remained a cornerstone of the Adelaide Central Market. It passed from William to his son Bill, and then to his grandson Paul—each one faithfully continuing the tradition while modernising in thoughtful ways. In fact, the Blackeby family introduced several firsts at the Market, including the very first electric lightbulb and the first cash register at a stall, all while maintaining their hallmark style of personal service and hand-crafted sweets.

By the late 20th century, after more than 80 years of Blackeby family ownership, the business changed hands. In 1997, Andrea and Darren Lomas took over, becoming the next faithful custodians of the stall. Their vision was clear: to honour the past, preserve the charm, and continue serving the Market community with the same warmth and quality that had defined the stall for generations. Under their care, the stall eventually became known as The Old Lolly Shop—a nod to its heritage as one of the oldest continuously operating sweet stalls in the country.

Then in 2025, a new chapter began. Georga Williams, who had once worked behind the counter during her uni days, couldn’t shake her love for the Market or the magic of the stall. Together with her husband Simon, she stepped into the story—not just to run a business, but to carry forward a tradition. As current owners of The Old Lolly Shop, Georga and Simon are devoted to keeping the stall’s legacy alive, celebrating its 140+ year journey while looking to the future.

They’ve embraced the same principles that have always defined Stall 33: joy, nostalgia, quality, and connection. They’ve also brought a fresh energy—sharing the story online, growing the range, and inviting a whole new generation to discover the sweet magic of the Market.

Stall 33 has stood the test of time because it has always been more than just a lolly shop. It’s a living thread through Adelaide’s history. A place where tradition meets taste, and where memories are made by the handful.

Come visit us. Ask about your childhood favourite. Taste something new. And take home a piece of South Australian history.