CHOCOLATE lovers are in for a treat next month when a premium brand opens its first Dorset shop. 

Hotel Chocolat will open its first county shop in Bournemouth’s Castlepoint shopping centre on November 1. 

Located at the old EE site just off Woodbury Roundabout’s entrance, it will be home to a Velvetiser Café, serving iconic 'velvetised' drinking chocolate and other hot drinks. 

Customers can select from thousands of combinations to personalise their drink, including 18 flavours served hot, over ice or as a chocolate shake with dairy milk or a plant-based alternative. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Hotel Chocolat’s co-founder and development director Peter Harris said his company makes retail park experiences “more enjoyable”. 

“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.” 

David Pickett, centre manager of Castlepoint, added: “We are thrilled to attract big-name brands like Hotel Chocolat to Castlepoint, creating a welcoming destination that caters to every visitor, whether they're looking for an international shopping experience or seeking to support local businesses. 

“New openings are part of a broader initiative to craft and enhance the offering at Castlepoint as new additions and improvements enrich the experience in these thriving community spaces. 

“It’s been a pleasure to witness increasing interest from a diverse range of retail and leisure operators as Castlepoint becomes a destination that draws visitors from our local community but also from the wider region.”