It’s tough out there for small businesses right now so it’s always awesome to one doing well. A great example is Zara’s Chocolates.
Founded on North Street in Bristol in 2013, the company has recently moved from a shop it shared with florist Ivory Flowers to its own full premises down the road. We were invited to pop down and taste a few choccies. How could we refuse such an invitation!
The new store is super bright and airey with an impressive kitchen at the back where most of the chocolates sold in the shop are made.
Zara’s enthusiasm for the sweet treats is infectious and she told us her story of turning her life long love for chocolate, which started with her grandmother’s homemade vanilla sponge chocolate cake, into a career. Zara definitely is Bristol’s answer to Willy Wonka (the company’s #BristolWillyWonka is our new favourite hashtag) as she completed a professional training programme before experimenting in her home kitchen and then launching the business.
On offer at the press night were a selection of the business’ best selling sweet treats. We loved them all but the ones that got our taste buds celebrating the most were the gorgeous smoked Paprika & pecan chocolates and I absolutely loved the raspberry lemonade ones filled with some surprise popping candy which instantly transported me back to childhood!
Now I must admit that I’m not much of a hot chocolate drinker but Zara and her team may well have converted me!
The business will soon open a hot chocolate bar and we got to sample some of what’s on offer. The Aztec drink is how hot chocolate was originally served; water based and bitter with cinnamon and spice. I have a real sweet tooth but I enjoyed it! My favourite though was the Serene Matcha Supreme. It’s fine white chocolate blended with Japanese tea and it was sublime!
We also loved the pots the drinks were served in. Traditional hot chocolate pourers made by local artist Maisie Fortune from PotterMoo Studios.
Zara’s Chocolates is a triumph of top quality products, entrepreneurial excellence and a passion that shines through. We will be back for more and we urge you to grab your golden ticket and check it out too!
