A PREMIUM chocolate brand is to open a new shop in a Bournemouth shopping centre. 

Work has started in preperation to open Dorset’s first Hotel Chocolat at Castlepoint in the former EE shop next to Starbucks. 

The British chocolate manufacturer and cocoa grower’s branding can be seen on the window of the building with the words ‘opening soon’. 

Home to 126 shops in the UK, more than 40 in Japan and a luxury eco-hotel on its working cacao farm in the Caribbean, Hotel Chocolat is known for selling chocolate bars and chocolate gifts. 

Bournemouth Echo: Hotel Chocolate, CastlepointHotel Chocolate, Castlepoint (Image: Daily Echo)

The company started in 1993 selling chocolate online before opening its first brick and mortar shop in 2004 in north London. 

In 2012, Hotel Chocolat was voted as the UK’s ‘most advocated’ British brand. 

The nearest Hotel Chocolat is currently situated in West Quay, Southampton. 

Meanwhile, Castlepoint has also seen a number of openings of late, including a new Specsavers in Sainsbury’s with sports brand Nike set to be open a store in November. 

Earlier this year, Castlepoint saw the opening of the UK’s largest Mountain Warehouse and a new Holland & Barrett. 

Castlepoint has been approached for more details.