Robert Swinden, a world-class chocolatier, has been running The Chocolate Shop in Churchtown, Southport, for years, drawing customers from across the North West with handmade Belgian pralines and unusual flavours.
From pastry chef to chocolatier
Swinden worked as a pastry chef from 1990 before moving into confectionery in hotels. He then travelled the world to work and train with Koko Black, a handcrafted premium chocolate brand, alongside Belgian friends in Bruges. Koko Black still operates venues in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
He told the ECHO: "Bruges-style chocolates were the main focus. I worked with them for eight years, going into new shops and helping them open. My daughter was born in Australia and my wife's family are in Formby. Mine are scattered everywhere from here to New Zealand."
Return to the UK and first shop
Returning to the UK in 2010, Swinden worked as a pastry chef and taught the next generation. In 2016, he opened his first store in Ainsdale, originally named Ainsdale Fine Chocolate. He said: "I always knew I wanted my own place. I knew that since 2003 when I was with Koko Black. In between I did markets and food festivals, just to gauge what sort of interest there was and to practice."
He added: "It was a bit of a slow start but it was something completely different. Similar to Melbourne, they hadn't seen that thing before, which is what I wanted to bring here. We're all about Belgian pralines. That's the core of the business."
Move to Churchtown
After five years in Ainsdale, Swinden spotted the current premises in Churchtown. He said: "It just looked like a chocolate shop. I believe the landlord changed, we couldn't get the air con we wanted in Ainsdale, a few other factors came up and we just decided to move." The shop previously sold handmade chocolates bought in 20 or 30 years ago, so Swinden tried to recreate similar signage.
About 80 to 90 per cent of customers are locals from the village, but people also travel from Liverpool, Yorkshire, Lancashire and the United States. The shop offers gift boxes and flavours such as Southport Vanilla Swan, Dixie Dean Whisky and Ginger, and an Everton Mint. A gooseberry-filled chocolate reached the shelves in three days.
Family and future plans
Swinden's son and daughter work with him. He said: "Most of the fun comes from new ideas. My son and daughter work with me so I have to teach them how to do everything. You definitely have to have a sweet tooth, which everyone has."
Swinden is looking for a nearby location where customers can watch his chocolate-making process. Until then, The Chocolate Shop is on Botanic Road in Churchtown.
