Inspired Chocolate opening shop on Grainger Street in Darlington

Chocolate shop Inspired Chocolate has confirmed they are planning to open their new store on Grainger Street in Darlington on Saturday (February 18).

The shop, which is owned by Richard Warne, 47, and Yvonne Warne, 46, from Darlington, will be an extension of their chocolate factory in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, acting as a way to expand their business.

Mr Warne, who manages the daily operations of the business, said the confectioner uses British milk and British chocolate, and their chocolate is handcrafted in-house by their chocolatiers.

He said Inspired Chocolate consists of a small team of five people and they cannot wait to bring their "unique" confections to the town.

Speaking on their motivations to open in Darlington and the challenges they have faced, he said: "We're from Darlington, we saw that there was a need. It's in a location that we can manage it easily, and I suppose [we can] learn the lessons of running a shop.

"It was the right area of Darlington, the right opportunity.

"There is nothing in the town centre really offering chocolate, and certainly not premium handmade chocolate, something a bit different, something you're not going to find in a supermarket.

"We very much look forward to welcoming the people of Darlington to come and have a look in our shop and enjoy a sample."

He said another factor in the pair's decision to open the store was Thornton's leaving the area, and he said he believes their shop can fill the gap left by their departure.

Mr Warne, the grandson of former Darlington Football Club chairman, Ken Warne, added he thought Darlington would be the perfect place to set up his shop having grown up in the area.

Speaking on the challenges of opening a new shop, especially in the current economic climate, he said: "Everything takes twice as long as you think it's going to. We were planning to open this Saturday and we're nowhere near. We're currently aiming to open next Saturday.

"We've looked at it as we have to expand our base, that's why we're doing it. It helps give more exposure to our chocolates, it keeps our chocolatiers busy.

"We're sort of supporting our factory by increasing the ability to offer the chocolates to market. We're doing it to help us get through.

"Chocolate price has gone up exponentially, all of our costs have gone up hugely, VAT schemes have hit us as well, everything's gone up but they've not changed thresholds.

"So we have to grow in order to stand still. We're confident in our product and confident people will like them, and hopefully come back for more."

They said they have also struggled to set up a contract with British Gas, and this has led to them being charged an "outrageous amount of money."

The shop will be offering truffles, pre-made assortment boxes, chocolate bars, models, easter eggs, various chocolate novelties, and personalised chocolate, as well as gift boxes, barista coffee and hot chocolate.

He said the business has also begun providing its wares to premium shops and delis in the area to support the factory.

He added the shop will be expanding its menu in the Spring through to Summer, offering a gelato which he believes separates them from other businesses.

Adding to the British chocolate offered by the independent business, there will also be Belgian speciality chocolate such as ruby and gold.

Mr Warne added that the opening hours are planned to be 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and they will also consider opening on Sundays depending on how much demand there is.

He also said the new store has received lots of "positive feedback" regarding its opening and said they were "looking forward" to when they can open.

Mr Warne purchased the Little Chocolate Shop in Leyburn six years ago, before rebranding to Inspired Chocolate and investing heavily into it.