Duke of Gloucester visits CHOCOLATE - York's Sweet Story

The Duke's arrival at CHOCOLATE - York's Sweet Story ©CHOCOLATE - York's Sweet Story

CHOCOLATE - York’s Sweet Story received a Royal seal of approval yesterday when HRH the Duke of Gloucester paid a visit to one of the newest attractions in York.

The visit was part of a busy day of engagements for the Duke before he returned to Kensington Palace.

The long journey back to London will no doubt have been made more pleasant by the various treats made for the Duke as he was given a chocolate coat of arms by head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite and chocolatier Jemma Bulmer, and also received a chocolate brownie take-away.

The attraction tells the story of the many chocolate factories and companies that formed part of York’s history.

Visitors can taste, smell and see their way around the stories of the companies and people that led to its nickname of “The Chocolate City”.

The Duke of Gloucester with the box of chocolates he was presented with as part of his visit ©CHOCOLATE - York's Sweet Story

Firms such as Rowntree’s and Terry’s having long histories making chocolates and sweets in York, including such well known favourites as Kit Kats, and at one time were a dominant part of York’s economy.

The Duke’s visit comes in the attraction’s first year having opened on 31st March, it occupies a substantial building on King’s Square, close to York’s Shambles.

It is the second Royal Visit York has enjoyed this year, following Maundy Thursday’s visit by Her Majesty The Queen to York Minster in her Diamond Jubilee year.

CHOCOLATE – York’s Sweet Story offers a price of £8.50 for students with 20% discount when booking online. The attraction is open daily from 10am – 5pm.

Head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite with the chocolate coat of arms presented to the Duke ©CHOCOLATE - York's Sweet Story