Stamford Heavenly Chocolates shop in Oakham to close on Christmas Eve

A chocolate shop will close for the final time on Christmas Eve after 10 months in business.

Chocolate-maker Barbara Farrow will continue to run Stamford Heavenly Chocolates from its base at Sacrewell, but has decided to close the shop in Oakham.

Since opening in February, the business has faced a number of set backs.

Barbara and her team lost much of their stock during the summer heatwave and noticed a drop in sales during the hot weather.

Since then, the cost of living crisis has had an impact with energy bills and the cost of ingredients increasing.

Announcing the decision on social media, Barbara said: "It was my dream to have a little shop like this. I have worked hard to try and keep it going but from the summer onwards its been an uphill struggle.

"As a small independent business I need to do what I can to save the rest of my business, so when we close the doors at Oakham for Christmas, sadly we will not be opening again in the new year.

"I would would like to thank everyone who has supported me through my Oakham journey."

Stamford Heavenly Chocolates started life at a farm-shop in Stamford before relocating to Sacrewell at Thornaugh in August 2020.

The shop at Sacrewell will remain open and customers will still be able to order online.