Having served the good people of Brighton & Hove and beyond for over 70 years, Audreys has become the city's go-to for sumptuous chocolatey treats. Being a naturally curious soul, (some people may use the word nosey even), when we were given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go behind the counter at the shop and discover more about the chocolate-making process, I was the first to put myself forward and was as happy as, well, a kid in a candy shop, to head along to Hove to discover (and taste!) more.

First, I need to begin with an apology to Audrey’s, I had always worked under the impression that the small, gorgeous boutique just off Hove’s seafront, was just where they sold their range of stunning delights and there was some large factory somewhere that made the good stuff,  but oh no reader, that was so wrong, they make them all right there in Hove, by hand, on the premises. The colourful window alone draws you in, with a magnificent display of handmade wares to tempt you inside. Traditional, vibrantly coloured chocolate boxes with dainty delights, and elaborately decorated Halloween and Christmas items, sit beside a large glass counter that is jam-packed with truffles and chocolates that you can buy separately. Resistance is futile once inside, you are going to leave with something, the quandary is just how much.

With our hands washed and hair nets donned we prepared to explore, our first stop was a chat with the caramel king, Carl. One thing that I don’t have words for is the glorious smell that the vat of golden bubbling caramel created. Our mouths watering, we watched as Carl expertly tipped the caramel from a copper bowl onto a marble top to cut and cool later. Admiring the moulds hanging on the wall, we discovered that they are an original design, exactly as they were made decades ago. After all, why change perfection?

Onwards we went through a warren of staircases and friendly faces, where we got to chat to the staff and see how the rose and violet chocolates are made. Again, these are handmade, a machine only being used for dipping chocolate. Resisting the urge to dip my head in the chocolate machine we carried on to a cool room where tempered chocolate was being shaped by hand, two lovely ladies told us about how much they love working for Audrey’s, as they expertly modelled nut clusters without stopping or missing a beat.

Back downstairs in the shop, we couldn’t resist buying some treats to take home, with some truffles for my husband and beautiful characters for my daughter to go alongside my favourite staple rose and violet chocolates. Audrey’s is truly a nostalgic, lovely shopping experience, everything from the traditional doorbell that tinkles as you walk in, to the warm welcome and beautiful presentation, you can’t help but smile. With Christmas nearly upon us, this is the perfect spot to do some shopping and support an independent shop, without the stress and crowds of the high street. The only issue is how you will be strong enough to give the gifts away and not indulge yourself!

The tour was not a public, bookable event, but visiting the shop is highly recommended! 

Caroline