York’s Chocolate Story
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Located at the top of the Shambles, York’s Chocolate Story is an interactive museum devoted to the story of chocolate. Visitors well may be aware of York’s connection to chocolate – who hasn’t savoured a segment or four of a Terry’s chocolate orange? – but how and why did this connection come about?
Based on King’s Square in York, it incorporates the Rowntree’s factory which dates back to 1890 and is regarded as one of the UK’s finest guided tour experience, winning gold in the Visit England Awards in 2018. Through a series of talks and exhibits, visitors can learn about the ancient history of chocolate as a ritual drink in the pre-Columbian Americas, and about the great chocolate entrepreneurs of Yorkshire – Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Craven’s – and also about the processes involved in the industrial production of chocolate, and the history behind these famous brands.
Of course, all this learning is enough to build up quite the appetite and any kids along for the ride will no doubt want to know about actually eating chocolate. Don’t worry, York’s Chocolate Story has this covered in two sweet tooth-sating ways. As you’d expect, there’s a well-stocked tuck shop on-site, but also there are also all kinds of culinary courses available for younger members of the party (and adults who want to indulge) to make their own chocolate bars, truffles and other confectionaries under the tuition of expert chocolatiers.
As well as looking at the origins of this sweet treat, you’ll learn how to taste it like an expert and find out about the sustainable future of chocolate. It delivers a fine day out for all the family, whether you’re partial to the cocoa bean or not.
