WATCH: A festive treat at Hotel Chocolat
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CHRISTMAS is first and foremost a time to spend with the family, but equally important at this time of the year, is the palate.
In their Inverness base inside Eastgate Shopping Centre, staff at Hotel Chocolat knows a thing or two about treats.
The city centre branch of the chocolatier opened in 2018, becoming the northernmost store for the brand – the closest being in Aberdeen.
With the company's mantra being More Cocoa, Less Sugar, chocolatiers working in the store follow the Root to Wrapper ethos and allows them to specialise in the whole chocolate making process and create a direct connection with their customers, according to assistant manager at the Inverness store, Melody Murchison. We asked her about Hotel Chocolat and what's on for them this Christmas.
Q. What is Hotel Chocolat Inverness offering this festive season?
A. Chocolate for everyone! What we are finding is that people want to spend their money on something they know is going to be enjoyed. It can be hard to know what to buy people this Christmas and we have some lovely new hampers that have just recently launched - individual gifts, for couples or for the family. There really is something for everyone. We also have a huge range of price points – our Santa Tiddly pots are £2.25 and we have the very impressive Grand Wreath Box at £80 with over a kilo of chocolate. Proving to be very popular so far this year is our hot chocolate. Real grated chocolate, our flavours range from adventurous ones such as Peanut Butter, Black Forest Gateaux, Maple & Pecan to more classic flavours of Vanilla White, Salted Caramel and Milky 50 per cent. We will be doing lots of samples in our Velvetiser over the Christmas period for customers to try, as well as sampling our alcohol range. Salted Caramel and Clementine Chocolate Cream Liquor is our festive flavour – anyone is welcome to pop into store for a taste!
Q. Why is Inverness city centre a great place to visit, shop and work?
A. Inverness city centre has a lot to offer! There are excellent places to eat and drink, great independent businesses and some really lovely, friendly people. We always hear such positive comments from tourists saying what a brilliant time they have had in Inverness. Everything you need is within walking distance and the River Ness provides beauty and calm right on our doorstep. Because we are not a huge city, working in the centre makes it easy to build relationships and connections with different businesses.
Q. Who are your city centre stars?
A. We loving chatting with our customers so we are always recommending other businesses. Keepsake Scotland is a wonderful addition to the high street with a huge range of unique gifts – it’s our go to shop for birthdays! Whisk Away café for lunch and cake – tahe food is so good and there’s a great play area for kids. And I have to mention the team at Starbucks work so hard, they are always smiling even when it’s super busy! When we’re not treating ourselves to chocolate, an ice cream from Mieles Gelateria is always tempting, no matter the weather.
Q. Why is the Inverness city centre gift card a great present this Christmas?
A. With the huge variety of shops you can spend the Inverness Giftcard in, it’s the perfect gift this Christmas. It keeps money within the city centre, but without limiting the spenders choice. There’s just so much you can buy – lunch, drinks, clothes, gifts, jewellery, beauty treatments and of course, chocolate! Giving the gift of choice is always well received.
Q. What does HC do to support other businesses?
A. We love supporting and working alongside other businesses. In the past we have collaborated with Lush, Joules, Starbucks as well as supporting various charity events. We are always willing to get involved in different opportunities will donate to raffles and other initiatives where we can. We are also full of recommendations of all different businesses within the city centre to our customers.
