Hotel Chocolat has announced that it will open its first bakery filled with all things delicious.
Sweet and savoury items will be on the menu at the new high street bakery stores, with four in Yorkshire being opened initially.
The luxury chocolate brand said the launch of the new in-store bakeries will come later this month in four of its existing stores, rather than new outlets.
The retailer has already found success with its Velvetiser Café format, which was named after the popular hot chocolate gadget sold by Hotel Chocolat.
Ian Mackie, head of Velvetiser Café, said: "This launch represents a significant milestone for the Velvetiser Café, as we expand our offerings to include a diverse and delectable menu inspired by our commitment to quality and innovation. Each item is crafted with care and precision, using the finest ingredients, sourced responsibly, reflecting our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. We cannot wait for our customers to experience the unique flavours and the exceptional quality that define Hotel Chocolat."
Executive development chef David Demaison said: "We spent months obsessing, finessing, and taste-testing (of course), before settling on just the right ratio of chocolate to pastry, and more. Now, our imaginative menu is ready to savour. A collection of chocolate and savoury creations designed to delight at breakfast, lunch, and every other moment besides."
Here is everything we know:
Where will the new bakeries be opened?
The locations which are have been picked to get the full bakery works are Harrogate, Leeds Trinity and Leeds Springs. A fourth location in Ilkley is set to open in late September.
The Leeds Trinity location will house the in-store bakery which will produce all of the items fresh and ship them out to the four sites. The upper-floor of the Leeds Trinity site has already been transformed into the in-house bakery.
What will they offer?
In short, a whole bunch of yumminess.
Both hot and cold treats will be available at the new in-store café, all of which are inspired by the dishes available at the Hotel Chocolat at the chocolate retailer’s Rabot Estate cocoa farm in Saint Lucia.
As expected there will be a whole range of sweet goodies including a signature Carrot Cake, Hazelnut Crownie and a Cacao Pod pastry as well as other sugar-laden treats but there will also be something for the savoury fans.
Menu items will include a range of pastries flavoured with Caribbean chicken curry, pulled pork and mushroom and ricotta.
How many Hotel Chocolat stores are there in the UK?
The company currently boasts 139 locations offering its goods, with 59 of them having cafes.
Locations range from Brighton and Bournemouth to Belfast and Glasgow.
