York’s Chocolate Story is celebrating a hat trick of successes, following its bumper first birthday at the end of March.
The Easter holidays gave the King’s Square attraction its busiest ever period, with nearly all of tours running at maximum capacity.
It has since been accredited by Visit England to its Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS), which recognises exceptional customer experience across the UK.
And to celebrate the launch of the new and improved visitor experience, which includes a hands-on chocolate making experience within the tour, the attraction has installed a new kitchen facility in the chocolate demonstration area, offering increased capabilities for its team of chocolatiers.
“This is a fantastic start to the season as we move ahead with our new offer, which includes a hands-on chocolate lolly-making station which has gone down a storm with visitors,” said Jenny Tutty, operations manager.
“Tours were regularly sold out during the Easter holidays, as we shared stories of York’s confectionery heritage with people from near and far.”
Head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite said the new kitchen has improved the experience for visitors. “We can now create our own products for the shop and café area, and increase the diversity of what we offer.
“People who come on the tours and watch us doing the interactive chocolate demos will see new techniques and use of equipment, and taste a broader range of chocolate products.”
York’s Chocolate Story has also increased the seating capacity and expanded the menu in its café.