UK's Chocolate Capital - York
- Michelle's Monologues
- 35 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Once enjoyed by the gods and the elite, chocolate can now be enjoyed by everyone but, did you know the historical city of York is the UK's chocolate capital? Discover more about how York became the chocolate capital, what chocolate you can enjoy, chocolate you just can't miss while visiting York, and more. You will be in chocolate heaven!
UK's Chocolate Capital - York
How York Became The UK's Chocolate Capital
York is situated by a busy port with great transportation links, pioneering entrepreneurial families in the 18th & 19th centuries, and Quaker business ethics all lead the way for York to become the UK's chocolate capital. With Terry's of York leading the way in 1767 (Terry's Chocolate Orange and All Gold Collection), followed by Rowntree's in 1862, becoming a giant in the industry, creating chocolate staples such as KitKat, Smarties, and Aero, as well as Craven's famous boiled sweets, French Almonds, and Mary-Ann Toffees.
At the height of the industry more than 25% of the population of York was employed in the chocolate industry, and 60% were women!
Today many of the factories are closed, except for Nestle, that produce KitKats. The historic Rowntree now Nestle has been repurposed into residental and retail spaces called "The Cocoa Works" on Haxby Road, York. Terry's of York has also been redeveloped into high-end apartments, a care home, and a restaurant (The Old Liquor Store). Located near Bishopthorpe Road, you can still see the iconic grade II listed clock tower and the Terry's Chocolate Orange Sculpture. Did you know the first chocolate orange was produced here in 1932?
York Chocolate Trail
Don't miss the York Chocolate Trail. 22 places to explore and enjoy chocolate. Fun for the whole family. You can download the PDF self-guided York Chocolate Trail here.
2027 will be the 260th anniversary of when it all began! When will your York Chocolate Trail begin? Don't forget your Visit York Pass, as entrances to most attractions are included.
York Chocolate Story
Travel through 4,000 years of chocolate history and how it arrived in York, as well as learning about the founding confectionery families and how they shaped York. Make your own chocolate lolly and experience a live demonstration from an expert chocolatier. Not forgetting the delicious chocolate samples throughout!
You can also stock up in the gift shop with lots of chocolatey things. Yum.
Top Tip: Included with the Visit York Pass
Must-Visit Chocolate Spots In York
Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms
While in York, a visit to Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms is a must! We pre-booked for afternoon tea. It was delicious! The delicate savoury sandwiches, oh, and the little sweet treats. Yum! I think it is the first time I have had a blueberry cream-filled eclair. The milk chocolate and pistachio bite was amazing, and the little lemon meringue pie - love-ly. The pianist was very talented and created a beautiful ambiance.
Did you know it all started when Swiss confectioner Fredrick Belmont (originally Fritz Butzer) arrived in England in 1907. The York branch opened in 1937, inspired by design elements on the RMS Queen Mary.
Today, you can enjoy iconic products such as Fat Rascals, Milk Chocolate One Guinea Coins and more! These can be bought in the shop or online. P.s They travel well in the elegant gift boxes. Did you know you can also freeze the Fat Rascals? We ate on the day of defrosting and tasted just as good!
Top Tip: Highly recommend pre-booking as very popular. When you pre-book the afternoon tea is upstairs, with a different side entrance. If you walk up, you are welcome to join the queue to be seated at a table downstairs (same entrance as the shop).
Monk Bar Chocolatiers
Artisan chocolatiers established in 1999 by Ray and Liz Cardy, and originally located by one of the oldest gates (entrances into York) - Monk Bar. The family-run Monk Bar Chocolatiers is now located in The Shambles. Don't miss a visit for the delicious handmade individual chocolates and the liquid chocolate shots! These are pure chocolate heaven. Available in white, milk and dark chocolate. Which one will you try first?
York's Historical Gems & A Taste of York Chocolate Tour
One of my favourite walking tours so far, York's Historical Gems & A Taste of York Chocolate Tour is so much fun! Discover the difference between York Bar's, Snickelways and Gates with an eccentric and informative character guide (Sherlumbo). On this 1 hour 10 minute walking tour, walk past iconic landmarks such as York Minster and Betty's Cafe while hearing about local legends such as Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes. The chocolate is delicious too!
Top Tips: Dress for the weather and put on your comfy walking shoes for this entertaining walking tour! It's also included in the Visit York Pass (pre-booking is required).
There is also York Chocolate Works, located just opposite the very site Henry Isaac Rowntree started his very own chocolate business in Castlegate over 170 years ago! Also included with the Visit York Pass.
Which of York's chocolate locations will you visit first?
I hope you have enjoyed reading and feel inspired to visit the UK's chocolate capital - York.
Until next time...
Happy Travels,
Michelle
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