Delicious chocolate shops in the Cotswolds
Willy Wonka knew the secret to making everyone’s favourite confectionery and these artisan producers and chocolate shops in the Cotswolds certainly do too. From vegan and sugar-free chocolates to award-winning luxury truffles, there’s a sweet treat to cater for every chocoholic and satisfy the most discerning of chocolate connoisseurs. And if you’re keen to indulge your inner chocolatier and have a go at making your own, some of them also run chocolate-making workshops too.
Coco Confectionery, Nailsworth
A popular fixture in the town of Nailsworth for over a decade, Coco Confectionery sells a large selection of milk, dark and white chocolate as well as a vegan and sugar-free collection, while the biodegradable and plastic-free packaging reflects Coco’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. Bespoke gifts can be created for all occasions from birthdays and baby showers to wedding favours and party bags.
Costello and Hellerstein, Stroud
Israel-born Ori Hellerstein, aka the ‘Artisan Baker’, has a reputation for his distinctive breads and pastries at his bakery in Stroud but he’s also known for his brand of homemade luxury chocolate truffles. Winner of several Great Taste awards, the decadent Costello and Hellerstein truffles come in six carefully crafted flavours including chocolate orange and sea salt caramel. Ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced and the packaging is made from 100% recycled materials.
Daylesford Organic, Kingham
The shop at the multi-award-winning organic Daylesford farm sells an impressive selection of delicious produce including a decadent range of chocolate to both eat and drink. If the likes of organic chocolate peppermint thins and indulgent salted caramel hot chocolate flakes aren’t tempting enough, there’s also a hamper dedicated entirely to chocolate goodies.
Drizzle Chocolate, Cirencester
Owned and run by a family of chocolate lovers who are keen to share their passion for everyone’s favourite confectionery, Drizzle in Cirencester stocks a selection of luxury chocolates from award-winning producers. Open seven days a week in Black Jack Street, why not stay for a hot drink in the café area and prolong your enjoyment of the heady aromas?
The Cotswold Chocolate Company, Stow-on-the-Wold
Founders Tony and Heidi swapped careers in event management for chocolaterie when they launched The Cotswold Chocolate Company in October 2011, creating a range of high-quality handmade chocolates using natural ingredients, with no artificial flavourings or colourings. After selling at markets, they opened a shop in the charmingly chocolate-box surroundings of Stow-on-the-Wold, where shoppers can watch them at work and browse the shelves of beautifully wrapped bars.
The Chocolate Genie, Temple Guiting
The Chocolate Genie specialises in handmade novelty chocolate gifts that are sure to make you smile, which are sold online and at local fairs and festivals. It also runs chocolate-making workshops at Wyck Rissington Village Hall between Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water if you’re keen to have a go at making your own Belgian chocolate truffles, and chocolate-making parties can be organised at your own venue too.
Try these further afield . . . .
The Chocolate Bar, Lydney
Owners Mark and Maren wanted to create handmade chocolates that tell a story and have taken inspiration from well-known flavour combinations and their own experiences. From pecan praline to caramel latte and raspberry and chilli, there’s a tempting treat to suit all tastes. Located at Taurus Crafts near Lydney in the Forest of Dean, The Chocolate Bar offers chocolate-making activities for children during the school holidays and chocolate truffle-making workshops for adults can be booked throughout the year.
Tutu Delicious, Watlington
In the heart of rural Oxfordshire, chocolatier Zoe Haynes shares her passion for chocolate at her artisan chocolate shop, Tutu Delicious. A viewing window into the workshop gives customers a behind-the-scenes look at the production process of her award-winning truffles, which come in a range of imaginative flavours that includes salted liquorice caramel, apricot and rosemary, and orange and balsamic.
Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, Thame
Master chocolatier Nigel Rumsey has been making handmade chocolates for over 30 years. Inspired by the chocolate shop in the film adaptation of Chocolat by Joanne Harris, he opened his chocolaterie with his wife Mary in Buckinghamshire and a second followed in Thame in Oxfordshire. Watch his award-winning chocolates being made in the theatre kitchen, then enjoy a taste in the coffee shop that’s brimming with Gallic charm before buying treats to take home.
Read more: Brilliant baking classes in the Cotswolds
