Sheffield has always had a history of confectionery making with Bassett's having their factory in the city since 1842, but did you know that we have a real artisan chocolate factory based in Kelham Island?
Bullion Chocolate Makers are an independent chocolate company that creates bean-to-bar craft chocolate, importing cocoa beans from carefully selected farms to bring a unique taste. Offering top-quality products is high on their list as they are one of only a handful of British companies to follow these steps and make chocolate from scratch.
It's not only shop-bought items they specialise in, though, as they also having a cafe/bar in Cutlery Works for you to try the wide range they produce. From hot chocolate to fresh bakes and even an espresso martini, you will be treated to chocolate heaven when visiting.
Speaking to the founder, Max Scotford, he said, "I feel most people are barely scraping the surface when it comes to chocolate. The chocolate we’ve come to accept is so far from what it could be. For years the true flavours of cacao have been masked in order to create a product, which is a consistent sweet fix for the masses.
When in truth, chocolate is so much more complex than that. Different bean varieties, harvests, origins and post-harvest production processes, all have a huge baring on the finished taste. So, no two bars are quite alike, which really opens up a side of chocolate that many people just don’t know about.
Witnessing someone taste true craft chocolate for the first time is quite special for me. Something they thought they knew, but they actually really didn’t. It only took a bite to realise that.”
Residing in Cutlery Works since it first opened 5 years ago, has allowed for longevity and also a customer-facing presence. The factory itself sits close to the cafe/bar (actually only a 5-minute walk at Harvest Works!) and there you can also do factory tours and even a cocktail masterclass, which at £24 are a great gift for Easter. Going on the tours, you see first-hand the bean-to-bar method and have the opportunity to sample the award-winners that are made here. As the cacao is so rich and intense, it really does surprise people how different it tastes from the usual confectionary you might buy.
What’s more, after you have bought your artisan chocolate products, you can check out the website and order your own easter egg or treat your loved ones to one of their delicious products, like their Ecuador Hot Chocolate priced at £12.50 or one of their signature Hallmark Milk bars priced at £6.00.
Find out more about Bullion Chocolate by visiting their socials or popping down to the cafe/bar at Cutlery Works, 73-101 Neepsend Lane in Kelham.