If you’re a regular reader of ours, you’re probably already aware, that we’re passionate about local businesses. At The Yorkshire Press, we do our best to help promote those independent shops, bars, restaurants and other businesses that help make our towns and cities unique.
Over the weekend, we spoke to independent shop owner, Michelle Nye from Chocolates and Truffles in Skipton. The confectionery industry in the UK is huge and chocolate is undoubtedly a favourite treat for most of us. We wanted to learn a little more about the faces behind one of Skipton’s most popular independent shops and also find out know what makes Chocolates and Truffles different from the big High Street brand chocolatiers. This is what Michelle had to say…
Who currently owns Chocolates and Truffles?
I own the shop and have 3 full-time and 5 part-time members of staff. We are a close knit team and it really matters to me that the staff are happy.
How long have you been serving the community in Skipton?
This is our fifth year in business and we have built up a following of loyal customers. It’s satisfying to be part of Skipton and of course, with it being a popular town with tourists, we also get lots of visitors.
What makes your chocolate different from the popular big brand chocolate?
Our chocolates are handmade on the premises to our own recipes. All our chocolates are unique and it is quite a long process but well worth it! We can make bespoke chocolate for customers and personalise chocolates. It’s our individuality that makes us different from the supermarkets and we can offer something that’s not universally available. Our customers at the moment are ordering Easter eggs which we make to their requirements.
What makes a good quality chocolate?
As a minimum requirement we use 32% to 45% cocoa solids for milk chocolate and 58% to 85% for dark. All our chocolate comes from sustainable cocoa farms and we use a variety of beans. The flavour of the bean will vary with the harvests; the climate, soil etc…
Some people think the higher the cocoa content the better the chocolate but that is not strictly true . Other factors come into play once the cocoa beans are processed such as the length of time the chocolate is mixed for etc… Chocolate should be a matter of personal taste
Working with chocolate all day must be terribly tempting. Which Chocolates & Truffles product do you find hard to resist?
That’s easy – our salted caramel! Butter sugar and cream enrobed in chocolate.
You have recently started offering chocolate hampers. Could you tell us more about these?
Our hampers come in 3 sizes and contain a selection of our handmade chocolates and bars. A wicker hamper always make a great gift.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work in Skipton?
Tennis is a good way of relaxation as it’s totally distracting from thinking about work, it’s good exercise and great to be in the fresh air.
What do you love most about Skipton?
It had a really good feel. It’s a great place to wander around and lots to do the castle, canal trips, shopping. We are surrounded by such beautiful countryside and we are in a good location for visiting interesting towns and cities nearby.
Five Quick Questions We Ask Everyone…
What is the last song you listened to on repeat?
Jungle – Busy Earnin’
What is your favourite film?
Apollo 13 – love triumph over adversity
What is your favourite pizza topping?
Peppers, mushrooms and olives.
Which is your favourite independent shop?
I couldn’t possibly choose one. There are so many to choose from in Skipton…
What’s your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire?
The royal armouries in Leeds and I love visiting York.
Chocolates and Truffles are situated at the top of Skipton High Street. If you can’t get to Skipton and want to sample some of their delicious handmade chocolates, you can also order some online via their website. If you sign up to their newsletter, you’ll receive and exclusive discount code that will get you 15% off an order of £15 or more.
This is a sponsored article. To discuss advertising opportunities for your Yorkshire business, please email Alexis@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
