York Cocoa Works

Our Working Chocolate Manufactory

We wanted to be the opposite of Willy Wonka, we wanted to create a fully transparent chocolate manufactory where everyone is welcome and everyone can join us becoming a chocolate maker. Our manufactory is designed with glass walls and open spaces, allowing curious young minds to watch every step of our transparent chocolate-making journey.

When you join us you can watch the raw cocoa being roaste, see the beans being winnowed to reveal the nibs, see the granite rollers of our melangers grinding the chocolate for over 24 hours to achieve that perfect smoothness, and watch our chocolatiers create that signature glossy shine. It’s a real-life lesson in engineering, chemistry, and culinary art that captivates children of all ages.

Hands-On Workshops: Become a Junior Chocolatier

The highlight of any visit to York Cocoa Works is the chance to get hands-on. We believe that the best way to learn is by doing, and our workshop space is where the real fun begins. We offer a variety of sessions tailored specifically for families and young creators:

Chocolate Lollipop Making: Perfect for our younger visitors or those on a tighter schedule. This is a self-led activity, children learn the basics of handling tempered chocolate. They get to design their own chocolate shapes, decorate them with an array of colorful toppings, and—the best part—take their creations home to enjoy.

Chocolate Bar Making: For the aspiring professional, this workshop delves deeper into the craft. We teach the secrets of how to temper chocolate, pour and set a perfect chocolate bar, allowing children (of all ages) to experiment with flavors and textures to create a bespoke bar that reflects their own personality.

The Full Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making Experience: Ideal for older children and teenagers, this immersive workshop follows the entire journey of a cocoa bean. From cracking the husks to tasting the chocolate at different stages of the refining process, it is a fascinating look at the food science behind their favorite treat.

Seasonal Masterclasses: Throughout the year, we transform our workshops to celebrate the seasons. Whether it’s hand-crafting and decorating a giant Easter egg, tempering festive Christmas figures, or creating spooky Halloween treats, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

The Chocolate Cafe: A Treat for the Senses

After the hard work of being a chocolatier, families can relax in our Chocolate Cafe, enjoy a hot chocolate or one of our own crafted cakes, treats and cocoa fruit creations.

Educational Value: More Than Just a Sugar Rush

We take great pride in the educational aspect of our chocolate experiences. Our team is passionate about sharing the story of the cocoa bean—from the tropical rainforests where it grows to the ethical importance of sourcing cocoa fairly and with direct relationships with farmers around the world.

We explain the "why" behind the process:

Science: Why does chocolate need to be "tempered"? (It’s all about crystal structures!)

Geography: Where do different beans grow and why does a bean from Madagascar taste like raspberries while a bean from Peru tastes like nuts?

History: How did York become the "Chocolate City" of the industry?

A Space for Everyone

We have worked hard to ensure that York Cocoa Works is an inclusive and accessible space for all families.

Accessibility: Our manufactory and cafe are all on one level, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate.

Dietary Needs: Because we make our chocolate from scratch, we have intimate knowledge of every ingredient. We offer a wide range of dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that no child has to miss out on the chocolatey fun regardless of their dietary requirements.

The Chocolate Shop: Before you leave, our shop offers a chance to take a piece of York home with you. From our award-winning bars to unique cocoa-infused gifts, it’s the perfect place to find a souvenir that tastes a whole lot better than a fridge magnet!

Why Choose Us for Your Next Day Out?

York Cocoa Works offers a slow-crafted, tactile, and authentic experience and chocolate insight. It’s a place where families can slow down, use their hands, engage their senses and learn together.

Whether you are a local resident looking for a weekend activity or a visitor exploring York’s historic streets for the first time, we invite you to join us. Come and see how chocolate is made, learn a new craft, and immerse yourself in the delicious heritage of our wonderful city.