Award-winning Dorset-based chocolatier Chococo had its new Winchester shop officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Ernie Jeffs, and Steve Brine, MP for Winchester on Friday 31st January.
Located at the Guildhall end of the High Street, the new shop sells a wide selection Chococo's delicious, freshly handmade chocolates and other chocolate fare. Customers can also relax and enjoy unique hot chocolates, coffee and freshly made cakes in the seating area to the rear of the shop.
Claire Burnet, co-founder and chief chocolatier of Chococo, says: "We're thrilled to have chosen Winchester as the site for our first opening outside of Dorset. It's a great city to be located in and we've been really touched by the support that we've initially had from local customers.
"We're very proud of working as much as possible with local suppliers and we've used this in our new shop. We are working with the Bakery Boys, Little Bee Bakery in Romsey, Hill Farm Fruit Juices and Char tea, just a few doors down from us here in Winchester."
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Ernie Jeffs, says: "We're very proud of Winchester and that it attracts and supports new businesses. We're delighted to welcome Chococo to the city and the High Street. With all its delicious chocolates and colourful interior we look forward to helping our newest member of the business community become a success."
Steve Brine, MP for Winchester, says: "It's a very positive sight to see an artisan company open a new shop in the centre of our historic city. Chococo's support of local business and employment of local residents shows that the high street is thriving and retains a unique independent feel that is so important to Winchester as a place to come and shop. I wish them the best of luck."
The interior of the shop is inspired by the iconic and colourful packaging of Chococo's chocolate boxes, with some added wit thrown in.
The tempting fresh chocolates selection available features favourites like "Old Thumper" - flavoured with Old Thumper Beer from Hampshire's Ringwood Brewery, "Black Cow" - a milk chocolate ganache that uses Black Cow Vodka from Dorset, and new for February is "Romantic Rose", flavoured with rose oil.
The café menu includes coffee, tea and of course a large range of hot chocolates, freshly prepared by specially trained Chocistas and made from different pure origin chocolates. New from Chococo is its unique DIY hot chocolate concept where you can melt your choice of pure origin chocolate to savour.
Finally, there is a delicious range of tempting ice cream Sundaes, made with Purbeck Ice Cream, and visitors will also be able to create their own sundaes from a DIY menu.
More information ...
Visit Chococo website
