Not that anyone needs an excuse to tuck in to a box of chocs, but National Chocolate Week kicks off on October 14. So stuff yourself silly without feeling guilty! Our friends at VisitEngland have put together a list of the top experiences for those with a sweet tooth.
SLEEP
Sweet dreams guaranteed: True chocolate lovers haven’t lived until they’ve spent a weekend break in a chocolate-themed hotel. The Chocolate Hotel in Bournemouth has 13 chocolate-themed rooms which come with chocolate fountains, if desired. One of a kind, this Grade II-listed building is the only chocolate-themed hotel in the world, making it the ultimate pilgrimage for chocoholics. Guests staying during National Chocolate Week will receive a free chocolate workshop after breakfast. Rooms start from £65.
www.thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk
Chocolate Indulgence package: Home to the Pudding Club, the Three Ways House Hotel in Gloucestershire is offering a chocolate-themed break during National Chocolate Week. Guests will be treated to a box of handmade chocolates on arrival, then dinner will be a very chocolaty affair where the sweet stuff is featured in every course, and the indulgence continues at breakfast where chocolate will be included in the extensive buffet. Guests can also take part in the Chocolate Car Treasure Hunt, followed by a chocolate cookery demonstration and tasting. Package starts at £135 per person. www.threewayshousehotel.com/pudding_club/chocoholics.aspx
Choco-therapy: Indulge in some choco-therapy with Mercure’s Chocolate Unwrapped spa package. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this tantalising treat for all the senses includes a chocolate orange back massage, indulgent Chocolate Martini and a dining experience with a chocolate twist. Package starts from £160 for two and is available at participating Mercure hotels. www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotels-offers/promotion-18644-chocolate-unwrapped.shtml
Chocolate art installation: YHA York has been given privileged access to Nestlé’s archive to create a stunning new art installation. The little-known link between the world-famous Rowntree family and YHA York has been brought to life in a spectacular art installation at the Youth Hostel in Clifton. The youth hostel was home to the son of one of the founders of the city’s chocolate dynasty in 1908, and was gifted to the youth hostelling charity by the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust in 1945. The story has been told in a giant six metre-long timeline installation in the hostel’s brand new conservatory. Rooms from £26, beds from £13. www.yha.org.uk/hostel/york
TASTE
Salon du Chocolat: Salon du Chocolat, the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate, opens its first edition in London this year. The three day event at London Olympia will see craftsmen, chefs and cocoa experts come together under one roof to delight visitors with all things chocolate. Don’t miss the Chocolate Fashion Show with unique dresses created by duos of local and international designers and chocolatiers. The show takes place between 18 and 20t October; tickets cost £18 for adults. www.salonduchocolat.co.uk
Make childhood dreams come true: For the ultimate chocolate experience, head to Bourneville – the place Cadbury was born. Discover a world of chocolate delights and enjoy a fascinating fun-packed day for all the family at Cadbury World. Let your kids’ imagination run wild as they visualise themselves as Charlie, learning how their favourite confectionary is made at this real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory. Let the little ones splash around in chocolate rain before heading over to the world’s biggest Cadbury chocolate shop. Inside, they can create their own delicious taste sensation with popcorn, marshmallows and biscuits covered in warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk. www.cadburyworld.co.uk
LEARN
Chocolatiering : Learn the art of chocolatiering at the brand new Swift House Cookery School, which has just opened in Bethersden near Ashford in Kent. Swift House Cookery School is owned and managed by Caroline Phillips, who studied at Ashburton Cookery School before going on to hone her skills at the prestigious Leiths Cookery School in London. The School is sponsored by Callebaut – the famous Belgium chocolate company. It was Callebaut’s internationally acclaimed Chocolate Academy where Caroline learned the craft of chocolatiering. From £75, learn how to make truffles, classic roses in chocolate and vintage cupcakes. www.swifthousecookeryschool.co.uk
Chocolate capital: Discover the rich story of chocolate and confectionery in York, home to Rowntree’s Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Head to York’s Chocolate Story, learn to taste the sweet stuff like a professional and get hands-on with a virtual chocolate factory. Watch chocolatiers at work in captivating chocolate-making demonstrations and taste some of their delicious creations. Witness chocolate come to life, hear generations of chocolate secrets, explore how chocolate is made from bean to bar and taste your way through the chocolate capital of the UK. www.yorkschocolatestory.com
