Chocolate is back on the menu in Ramsbottom as much-loved cafe gets new owners

The owners of a popular south Manchester chocolate shop are set to open a second shop at the site of Ramsbottom’s famous Chocolate Cafe.

The Chocolate Cafe on Bolton Street closed in April after 15 years in operation. Owner Philip Hargreaves said at the time the decision had been made after it became “unsustainable” to remain trading.

Opening in the same spot next month, Cocoa Tree will sell handmade artisan chocolates and will be the company’s second shop. The family-run chocolatier already operates a cafe shop on Wilbraham Road in Chorlton, which first opened six years ago.

Owners Victoria and Christopher Walker will open the new Ramsbottom store in July and will sell everything from specialty hot chocolates to chocolate buttons and bars.

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Their signature flavoured chocolates include almond and pistachio marzipan, caramelised hazelnut, passionfruit and coconut and Morello cherry liqueur.

“We were devastated to hear the Chocolate Cafe closed,” Victoria said. “We always try to support other local chocolatiers so we spoke to Philip about how sad we were that it was closing but then we got the opportunity to take over the premises and it was something we just didn’t hesitate on.

“We love the idea that Ramsbottom is all about chocolate and we wanted to continue that. It’s a 15-year heritage that we’re taking on but we want to do our spin on artisan chocolate. We’re absolutely passionate about it and we’re ready to put in the hard work.

“We’ve already proven ourselves with our Chorlton site and we’re excited to expand our family-run business.” Victoria says the larger premises in Ramsbottom will mean the company can expand on what it does well whilst also venturing into new aspects, like chocolate cocktails and workshops.

She explained: “It’s going to have a similar setup to what we have in Chorlton in some ways but the scope we have in Ramsbottom means we’re going to be able to expand on our menu and what we can offer.

“We will be looking at hosting Afternoon Teas, dipping boards, classes, workshops and chocolate cocktails. We will have our kitchen open so people can sit at the bar and watch Chris, the chocolatier, make the chocolate in front of them.

“We are very excited. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback since we announced the plans on Facebook and lots of people have been in to wish us well.”

Cocoa Tree in Ramsbottom will open in July, with more details to be revealed soon. They also sell their chocolates online.