HOT chocolate chain Knoops has celebrated opening its new Chester store.

With a new store also opening in Guildford these are the sixth and seventh new openings for the brand alone in 2023.

The Chester store opened in the former Blackstocks chip shop at 33 Northgate Street in Chester enabling customers to customise their ideal hot chocolate, iced chocolate, or milkshake.  

Bringing a point of difference to the café scene, Knoops boasts a customisable chocolate percentage menu. The brand was founded by Jens Knoop, who created the concept around Knoopology: the art of crafting the perfect chocolate drink.

Designed to be democratic, Knoops has over 20 different chocolate percentages – from 28 per cent white to 100 per cent extra dark - five different dairy-free and plant-based milks and 21 flavour enhancing add-ons, like sea salt, orange zest, chilli and cinnamon.

All drinks can be topped with a handmade Knoops marshmallow and there is something for every taste, mood and individual. Drinks can be poured as a smooth hot chocolate; over cold milk and ice for an iced chocolate, or blended with ice cream for a delicious milkshake.

Chester and District Standard: Knoops on Northgate Street, ChesterKnoops on Northgate Street, Chester (Image: Rory Sheehan)

Speaking on the latest openings, CEO William Gordon-Harris said: “Chester and Guildford are both steeped in rich history making them beautiful places to explore with a Knoops drink in hand. Each a hive of bustling activity, particularly at weekends, these charming locations are obvious places for a Knoops - we’re looking forward to bringing something new and different to the food and drink scene in both places, in time for Christmas.”

Founder, Jens Knoop, added: “I am delighted that Knoops is expanding and more people in the UK will be able to experience our chocolate drinks. I’m thrilled to continue our growth journey for the Knoops brand, whilst providing our customers, new and old, with their daily treat in a cup.”

The latest opening is indicative of Knoops’ ambitious expansion plans following recent openings in Bath, Knightsbridge, St Albans, Manchester and Notting Hill, London. Other locations can be found in Cambridge, Oxford, across central London, Rye and Brighton.