Hotel Chocolat café opens at Forestside

Hotel Chocolat is bringing a new-style store and café to Forestside Shopping Centre, with the Belfast opening set for January 24.

The luxury chocolatier says the site will include a Velvetiser Café, built around its hot chocolate drinks, alongside a menu of tailored bakes and cakes created to match flavours from some of the brand’s best-known chocolates.

The unit spans 1,965 sq ft and will include seating for around 30 guests, giving shoppers space to sit in while also browsing a curated range of the company’s premium chocolate lines.

Hotel Chocolat’s Omnichannel Director, Frankie Haynes, said the aim is to recreate the brand’s in-store experience in a setting designed for lingering rather than quick purchases. “We’re thrilled to bring the Hotel Chocolat experience to Forestside,” Haynes said. “Our new Velvetiser Café is designed to offer a relaxing space where people can enjoy our signature drinks and treats at a leisurely pace.”

Haynes added the launch fits into wider growth plans: “The new store marks another step in our expansion, and we’re excited to continue offering more of these delightful experiences across the country in the coming years.”