A visit to Hotel Chocolat's Milton Keynes retail store and café makes it clear why the cocoa-growing chocolatiers is at the forefront of product innovation.

Based in the award-wining Centre:MK retail complex, the Hotel Chocolate boutique is one of the company's 30 'Cocoa Cafés' and 60+ ice cream locations, and is a great example of the original retail offering developed by the brand over the past 14 years. The strong design ethos successfully marries the dual personalities of Hotel Chocolat - namely the sophisticated, fashion-led side of its stylish products and the earthy, authentic aspects of a hands-on cocoa grower.

James Drake, Hotel Chocolat's Operations and Category Manager for Food & Beverage, explains

"Opening cafés within our stores was a natural development for Hotel Chocolat, our café offering began with a simple menu of luxurious drinking chocolate, and was an instant hit with customers. Our café menu now includes a 'Cocoa Versus Coffee Bar', an eye-catching brownie gallery, and our new 'Ice Cream of the Gods', made from thick, rich, Jersey milk ice cream infused with cocoa nibs."