The run up to the festive season seems the ideal time to launch a new chocolate shop, and should you already be in the wine business it’s a match made in heaven (I will pull together a wine and chocolate tasting in Bordeaux at the slightest excuse).
I found this new comer in my home town of Leamington Spa. This week Diana Munarriz opened a small chocolate shop at 128 Warwick Street, Leamington, She specialises in hand made chocolates from around the world: Belgium, of course, but also Italy, Scotland and Leeds – yes Leeds – more of which later.
And the wine? Olivia and her partner Craig Finlayson traditionally supply wines to local pubs, restaurants and hotels and are now offering their range directly to consumers via their new web site : www.olivin.co.uk. It’s a brave venture given the current state of the UK wine retail trade. Their range is limited to successful listings with their on trade clients but they are looking at new listings as I write so watch this space.