141 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 Leonidas is a world-renowned luxury chocolate maker, selling more than 100 different kinds of real Belgian chocolates through over 1,400 chocolate shops around the world. We profile Leonidas Chester in the wake of the shop and café being recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022. Leonidas Chocolates, based in Chester, is a world-famous Belgian chocolatier and is the only one outside of London. Established in 2016 and located on Bridge Street in the beautiful walled city, the shop is the only Leonidas chocolate cafe in the UK and is also the only Leonidas shop with a liquor licence. Founded in 1910 bearing the Greek name of its original Founder, Leonidas Kasdekidis, the Leonidas Chocolate brand guarantees the freshness and quality of its chocolates. They are always made according to traditional methods, using only the finest ingredients of 100% pure cocoa butter for the coating, natural ingredients like fresh butter and fresh cream, and delicacies such as hazelnuts from Turkey, Morello cherries from the Perigord, almonds from Italy and walnuts from Grenoble. As an independent franchise of the brand, Leonidas of Chester also has corporate clients and works with several large hotel chains as well as small boutique operations, as well as providing wedding favours, gift boxes and a selection of luxury hampers, all of which are available through next day delivery. Apr22697 Best Luxury Chocolate Café – North West In-store you’ll find an array of beautiful and delicious chocolates, covering all dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic, and customers are free to select their favourites form the vast selection. With the social media and website sales, the business has a lot of avenues to reach out to even more chocolate lovers across the UK. The small boutique shop regularly holds chocolate and wine tasting events with local wine merchants to tempt visitors to sample its wares. As with many industries, the Covid-19 pandemic affected the shop – although it did not close its doors. Instead, Leonidas Chester turned into a takeaway shop and worked in conjunction with its already existing website, as well as delivery companies, to ensure that people could still enjoy its delicious products. The franchise also diversified to help the local community and began a ‘bottle of wine and a box of chocs’ delivery service to the surrounding area. This went down very well and is a service that is continued today. However, there were plans to open two further branches, which had to be postponed. Having recently been recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022 and rewarded with the prestigious title of Best Luxury Chocolate Café – North West, it appears that all plans for expansion are back on the cards, with a new store opening in Manchester and then Liverpool at a later date. Meanwhile, the franchise is focusing on growing its ever-increasing digital sales base, as well as rewarding its hardworking staff members who have remained loyal when times were tough. Here’s to a delicious future! Contact: Leonidas Chocolate Cafe Company: Northwest Leo Ltd Web Address: www.leonidaschester.co.uk
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