Hotel Chocolat Set To Open Bakeries To Rival Greggs

• Hotel Chocolat to launch new bakery offering, competing with high street bakeries.
• Four locations in Yorkshire to feature the new menu.
• Range includes cakes, pastries, and savoury items inspired by their Saint Lucia restaurant.

Hotel Chocolat, a well-known high street chocolate retailer, is set to diversify its offerings by opening bakeries in four Yorkshire locations. The initiative will introduce a variety of cakes, pastries, and hot food, aimed at capturing the same audience as established high street bakeries.

The new range, which launches this month, will be available in Harrogate, Leeds Trinity, Leeds Springs, and Ilkley. The Ilkley location is slated to open in late September. This expansion is a significant move for Hotel Chocolat, as it looks to extend its popular Velvetiser Café concept.

The menu features innovative products such as the Hazelnut Crownie, Chocolatier’s Carrot Cake, and a unique pastry called the Chocolatine, offered in three flavours: dark, raspberry-white, and orange. These items have been crafted by development chef David Demaison, taking inspiration from the Hotel Chocolat restaurant located at their Rabot Estate cocoa farm in Saint Lucia.

David Demaison, the executive development chef, stated, “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.” Ian Mackie, head of Velvetiser Café, added, “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.”

The expansion into bakery goods reflects a broader trend for the company, which has been growing steadily since being acquired by Mars for £534 million in November 2023. Plans include opening 25 new stores across the UK next year and a £10 million investment in their manufacturing plant at Royston.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, "It’s exciting to see Hotel Chocolat bringing something new to the table. Expanding into bakery goods shows their dedication to innovation and quality, and it will be interesting to see how customers respond to these delicious new offerings."