In the heart of Swanage there is a place that would make Willy Wonka himself jealous. A place where chocoholics can have all their dreams come true. A place where chocolate is at the heart of everything they do.
Chococo is an independent artisan chocolate brand that offers customers an abundance of delicious chocolate-based goods.
There’s also a delightful cafe for customers to relax and enjoy all that’s on offer within a pretty backstreet setting.
The Swanage branch of Chococo is the original home of the Chococo brand, and it was founded by a husband and wife team, Andy and Claire Burnet, in 2002.
With their love of fine quality chocolate, they set about starting up their own handmade chocolate business and became the first UK artisan chocolatier.
Their ethos is to use ethically sourced single-origin chocolate made with fresh ingredients and all whilst using 100% plastic free packaging.
At the time of doing this, big chocolate brands were dominating the market, and small artisan businesses were almost unheard of.
Today, Chococo boasts an impressive 128 national and international awards for its amazing products and also have released a chocolate cookbook that is sold in the UK and other parts of the world.
In the original Swanage branch, Andy and Claire wanted to show passersby that real people were making the chocolate, so they decided to bake it in front of the window, and the shop was located upstairs.
Over the years, the shop has expanded, and the making process was moved to larger premises in Poole; however, the shop is still a part of the Swanage community, offering customers a cosy retreat and all the chocolate you could wish for.
What sets the Chococo chocolate apart from all others are the unique taste and flavour combinations available.
The couple’s passion for flavour and locally sourced, good-quality ingredients shows with the fantastic tastes on offer.
When visiting, you’ll be able to buy a number of items such as chocolate boxes, unique seasonal items such as a chocolate pumpkin with spiders inside, Christmas and advent products, individual chocolates and more.
The cafe, along with its friendly and knowledgeable staff, serves customers coffee, Dorset tea, speciality hot chocolates, Chococo gelato, cakes, freshly made toasties and more. This can be enjoyed inside or in the pretty outside courtyard.
Chocolate can be good for the soul, and if you can enjoy some, that is free from additives and preservatives whilst still tasting amazing, then make Chococo your next destination for a day out.
To find out more about Chococo, visit the website here.
📍 21C, 23A Commercial Rd, Swanage BH19 1DF
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