Cocoa Tree chocolate shop to open in Ramsbottom this year

Cocoa Tree is set to open in Bolton Street in July, bringing beautifully decorated artisan chocolates back to the people of Ramsbottom.

It is taking over the site of the now closed Chocolate Café, which closed its doors in April after being open for 15 years.

The company announced the closure on social media saying it was hit at ‘both ends’ with decreased footfall and increasing bills making it ‘unsustainable’ to remain trading.

Victoria and Christopher Walker (pictured) are to open Cocoa Tree in Ramsbottom (Image: Victoria Walker)

Victoria Walker, who owns Cocoa Tree with partner Christopher, said she wanted to bring chocolate back to the town.

She said: “We were customers of the Chocolate Café and when we heard it was closing we were gutted and devastated.

“We used to take our daughter there on our days off as we liked their unique take on chocolate.

“There is an art to chocolate and we would like to preserve that for the people of Ramsbottom.

“For us, chocolate just lives in the town and we have always associated the town with chocolate.”

The food that will be served at Cocoa Tree in Ramsbottom (Image: Victoria Walker)

Victoria, who already has an existing Cocoa Tree shop in Manchester, said she can’t wait for the public to try their products.

She said: “We have a passion for chocolate. Customers say out chocolate is like edible art and ‘too good to eat’.

"Our products are coloured with cocoa butter and are hand-painted.

“There are no preservatives or additives and we use natural flavours. Our chocolates are made fresh, with the best quality cocoa.

"The new Ramsbottom shop will also have an open chocolate kitchen, so everyone will be able to see us making the chocolate."

Selection boxes, chocolate shards and buttons, and chocolate bars are some of the items on the menu.

Chocolates sold at Cocoa Tree in Ramsbottom (Image: Victoria Walker)

Victoria said their salted caramel and peanut butter flavoured chocolates are always popular among customers.

Since making the announcement on Facebook, Victoria and Christopher have been flooded with messages of support.

She said: “I announced that we were opening in Ramsbottom on Facebook. As a family we have been overwhelmed by the messages and kind comments that we have received.

“People are really keen to support us.

“We feel very welcomed and can’t wait to show the public the products we have.”