Daisy’s sweet dreams to come true at The Chocolate Manor

Daisy Ridley Anderson was one of hundreds of entrants in the competition run by leading artisan chocolatier Geri Martin, designed to find the VIP guest for the official opening of the business’ new premises in the beautiful seaside village of Castlerock.

The Chocolate Manor was due to open their new premises in April, but due to the pandemic, were forced to close for the past three months.

“We were so very close to our original official opening when we closed for the safety of our staff and customers” says owner and chocolatier, Geri.

“During lockdown we had to pivot and make a new plan for the business, as we had previously hoped to launch as a chocolate experience venue. We’re so delighted now to be launching a Chocolate Shop and Artisan Food Emporium, which will not only showcase our own range of handcrafted chocolates, but also the products of our fellow artisans in the Taste Causeway collective and beyond.”

When planning the new official opening on July 1, Geri launched a competition to find a VIP guest who would also be the ribbon cutter on the big day.

She continued: “The Chocolate Manor has always had such incredible support from our customers and network, and so it felt right that they had the chance to play an important role in this next big step for us. I was overwhelmed by the response to the competition and thrilled to see Daisy’s name appear as the winner.”

Daisy isn’t a stranger to The Chocolate Manor, as along with her sisters and mum Diana, they have previously had birthday parties with Geri, and attended Chocolate Manor workshops.

“My business has survived for almost eight years thanks to support of families like Daisy’s, and so it is wonderful to be able to celebrate our special day with them,” Geri explained.

All the chocolate on sale in the shop has been handcrafted in the onsite chocolate workshop, which was purpose built earlier this year. The Chocolate Manor is known for its unique chocolate creations, including commissions for a number of members of the Royal Family, and their client list includes four and five star hotels including Hastings Hotels, and venues such as Titanic Belfast. Geri has developed a reputation for creating bespoke chocolates and holds the title as #QueenofBespokeChocolate through an online competition.

The Chocolate Manor is the only business in the UK and Ireland to have developed a range of exclusive printed chocolates, and for the Castlerock Emporium Geri commissioned a local young artist to create designs for their unique chocolate postcards.

“Fourteen year old Gurt Chiitayanon, who happens to live just yards away from our premises in Castlerock, has produced some exceptional drawings for us, and we are delighted to be selling some of his stunning photography prints in store as well,” added Geri. “In addition, my 10 year old daughter Abigail, has designed all the children’s lollipops that we are handcrafting for the shop.”

The Chocolate Manor is joining a very supportive business community in Castlerock – Braemar Farm are launching a special ruby chocolate ice cream to celebrate the opening!

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for customers and staff, The Chocolate Manor is going to celebrate with an official opening week, with chocolate samples available each day.

The first person to purchase chocolate in the shop for the first 14 days will also receive an extra special golden ticket chocolate bar.

In addition to cutting the ribbon, Daisy will receive a goodie bag filled with products by The Chocolate Manor, and its fellow artisans including Wee Mallows, Broighter Gold, Causeway Cookies, ea Sugar Sweets, Taste Joy Peanut Butter and many more!

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