AN opening date has been announced for the new Hotel Chocolat store in Bournemouth.

The premium chocolate brand will open the doors to its shop at Castlepoint shopping centre on Wednesday, November 1st.

It will be the first Hotel Chocolat to open in Dorset.

Located in the former EE shop next to Starbucks, the branch will occupy a 2,981 sq ft unit with seating for 34 customers.

It is home to a 'Velvetiser Café', serving iconic 'Velvetised' drinking chocolate and other hot drinks.

Chocolate lovers can personalise their drink with a selection of 18 flavours served hot, over ice or as a 'Choc Shake' with dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, plus a variety of toppings.

The team can also help customers find their chocolate ‘Love Match’ based on their preferred flavours.

Hotel Chocolat’s co-founder and development director, Peter Harris, said: “We’re making retail park experiences that much more enjoyable with the opening of Hotel Chocolat at Castlepoint in Bournemouth.

“Whether you’re after a relaxing drink in one of our Velvetiser Cafes or would like to explore our range of top-quality chocolate, our new concept store offers guests the opportunity to shop at a more leisurely pace.

“This latest opening is part of our plans to launch many more stores across the country in the next three to five years.

"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.”

David Pickett, centre manager of Castlepoint, added: “We are thrilled to attract big-name brands like Hotel Chocolat to Castlepoint, creating a welcoming destination that caters to every visitor, whether they're looking for an international shopping experience or seeking to support local businesses.

"New openings are part of a broader initiative to craft and enhance the offering at Castlepoint as new additions and improvements enrich the experience in these thriving community spaces.

"It’s been a pleasure to witness increasing interest from a diverse range of retail and leisure operators as Castlepoint becomes a destination that draws visitors from our local community but also from the wider region.”

For more information visit, the Hotel Chocolat website.