Hotel Chocolat opens new concept store at The Springs Leeds
10th August 2023: Chocolate fans are in for a cocoa powered treat as Hotel Chocolat, the luxury British cacao grower and chocolatier, announces the opening of its latest out-of-town concept store at The Springs Leeds.
Opening 17th August 2023, this latest store from Hotel Chocolat is home to a Velvetiser Café, serving iconic Velvetised™ drinking chocolate and other hot drinks. Guests can select from thousands of combinations to personalize their drink including 18 flavours served hot, over ice or as a Choc Shake with dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, plus a variety of toppings.
The team can also help customers find their chocolate ‘Love Match’ based on their preferred flavour profiles including smooth pralines, patisserie-inspired flavours or something tipsy which packs a punch.
The space occupies a prominent 3,550 sq ft unit which seats 48 guests allowing nearby residents to enjoy the sit-in experience, escape and unwind whilst browsing the range of top-quality chocolates.
Commenting on the new store, Hotel Chocolat’s Co-founder and Development Director, Peter Harris, said: “We’re making retail park experiences that much more enjoyable with the opening of Hotel Chocolat at The Springs Leeds. Whether you’re after a relaxing drink in one of our Velvetiser Cafes or would like to explore our range of top-quality chocolate, our new concept store offers guests the opportunity to shop at a more leisurely pace.
“This latest opening is part of our plans to launch many more stores across the country in the next three to five years. Physical stores are extremely attractive and the beauty of being out-of-town is that we have good accessibility and parking so people can visit with ease.”
Rachel Vickers, Senior Commercial Manager at Scarborough Group International (SGI), developer and asset manager of The Springs and Thorpe Park Leeds, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Hotel Chocolat to The Springs Leeds. There seems to be a marked change in the way that brands look at out of town retail destinations and are increasingly attracted to their attributes in terms of accessibility, environment, and footfall.
“At The Springs we’ve been able to demonstrate strong visitor statistics which is helping to attract aspirational operators like Hotel Chocolat. The opening of the East Leeds Orbital Link Road, along with news that Arriva is reinstating a direct bus route into The Springs and the forthcoming railway station on site will only help boost footfall and trade in the future. So, it makes for a sound investment for occupiers.”
For eager shoppers keen to get a first glimpse of the new store, Hotel Chocolat will be offering surprise and delight moments to customers who purchase on opening day, as well as 20% off the Velvetiser Cafe for VIP.ME members, the chocolatier’s member club, which is free to join.
To find your nearest Hotel Chocolat store and to find our store opening times, please visit: https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/chocolate-shops.