Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
30
Jun 2021
Sneak Peek: Harrogate's own chocolate factory
A new chocolate café will open on East Parade in Harrogate on Monday to help those with learning difficulties gain work experience.
Planning for the The Harrogate Chocolate Factory Café, which is run the by charity, Harrogate Skills 4 Learning Centre, has been underway since 2019 but opening was delayed due to covid.
The café has a barista bar and seating inside and outside. One of the first thing you'll notice when entering the café is the colourful packaging design on the main pillar.
Fran Riley, the programme lead, told the Stray Ferret what the charity's vision for the café is:
The employees make a variety of handmade chocolate- all the chocolate is made with dairy alternatives so that "everyone can enjoy some".
The chocolate is made from scratch in the charity's main building nearby. It starts with roasting the cocoa beans in their kitchen and ends with pouring liquid chocolate in a moulding tray.
Kelsey Cuthbert, who works at the café, said it is a positive experience:
The charity has described the café as a "social enterprise" giving its workers the skills for future employment.
Only 6% of people with learning disabilities have paid employment in the UK, according to the latest government figures.
The Harrogate Chocolate Factory Cafe also offers an outside seating area that is equipped to serve customers with disabilities.
Read More:
All details about the café's opening can be found on their website here.
0