Hotel Chocolat will launch a cafe in a new ‘concept store’ later this month.
The retailer and cocoa grower has revealed plans to open a new shop at Westwood Cross shopping centre in Thanet.
The Velvetiser Cafe – which will seat 64 customers – will serve drinking chocolate and other hot drinks.
Guests can choose from thousands of combinations to personalise their beverage, including 18 flavours served hot, over ice or as a Choc Shake with dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, plus a variety of toppings.
It is part of the firm’s drive to launch more stores across the country in the next five years.
The new store will open on June 29.
Hotel Chocolat’s omnichannel director Frankie Haynes said: “After opening nine stores last year in 2023, we are continuing to drive forward in making retail park experiences much more enjoyable with the opening of our latest store at Westwood Cross this July.
“Whether our customers are after a relaxing drink in one of our Velvetiser Cafes or would like to explore our range of top-quality chocolate, this new concept store offers guests the opportunity to shop at a more leisurely pace.
“Physical stores are extremely attractive and the beauty of being out-of-town is that we have good accessibility and parking so people can visit with ease.
“This latest opening is part of our plans to launch many more stores across the country in the next three to five years.”
It was confirmed last week a new £3.5 million family entertainment centre at the shopping complex is set to open in August.
Hollywood Bowl will boast 22 ten-pin bowling lanes, amusements – including Mario Kart and air hockey – and an American-style bar and diner.