Dream comes true as pastry chef opens her own chocolate shop

Hattie Cufflin was working as a waitress in France when she was suddenly given an unexpected opportunity.

"The pastry chef broke her leg," said Hattie, 28. "I asked if I could have a go and they said 'yes'."

After completing a course at a cookery school, she worked as a pastry chef for years until she was furloughed during the pandemic.

"This prompted me to start an online business selling handmade chocolates and posting them out to people," said Hattie.

"It just snowballed so I decided to hand in my notice and take the gigantic leap of opening my own chocolate shop.

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Hattie has designed special gift boxes

"A total dream of mine. I've been saving up for years for a shop."

A year ago she found a run down corner shop on King Street in Knutsford.

Hattie's shop Hot Cocoa on King Street

With help from parents Ollie and Ruth, sister Lydia and boyfriend Jake Boyce, a head chef, they have created a magical emporium, Hot Cocoa.

An old fashioned wooden counter is filled with rows of delectable chocolates and customers can sip hot chocolate and coffee at little tables.

Hattie serves hot chocolate and coffee in her shop

"I did all the DIY myself and there was a lot to do and though many people thought I wouldn't get it open in time for Christmas, I did," said Hattie, who still sells chocolates online.

"Everything I sell is handmade by myself on the premises and includes artisan chocolates, chocolate bars, truffles, millionaires shortbreads and brownies.

A selection of artisan chocolates, chocolate bars, truffles and tiffin are on display in her counter

"The response has been better than I can imagine. Everyone loves them. I've sold out every day."

Painstaking patience, she says, is the key to being a successful chocolatier.

"You have to love it because it is such a long process," said Hattie, who makes 500 chocolates every day. "It takes 12 hours but after it all comes out shiny from the mould, it's the best feeling ever.

Some of Hattie's chocolates

"My favourite is Baileys and nutmeg. It's very festive and everyone who eats it loves it."

Hattie hopes to take expand and take on staff.

Hattie's raspberry and peanut chocolates

"I'm not going for world domination," she said. "I just want to become well known in the community of Knutsford."

For more details visit hotcocoa.co.uk