Artisan chocolatier to launch Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie to Hull's Fruit Market

Hull’s regenerating Fruit Market is set to welcome an artisan chocolatier who is bringing his handcrafted range of chocolates and luxury Italian gelato to the area.

Chef Jon Collins is opening Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie in Humber Street in the centre of the Fruit Market next month. Five new jobs will be created at the venue.

Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie’s 1,100 sq ft new premises will have the main production kitchen and work benches for classes and workshops on the first floor, while the ground floor shop will have a pavement seating area for use for customers and hosting special events.

Mr Collins said: “It’s a great opportunity for the business to be part of everything that is happening in the Fruit Market.

“It’s a really creative, bohemian and beautiful area. I only have one day off a week and on that day I often come down here to have a drink, get something to eat or just enjoy walking around the streets, the Marina and the waterfront.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, but never found the right location and opportunity. This is definitely it.

“I’m putting everything I have into this – not just financially, but all my passion and creativity. I’ve worked in catering for 20 years and everything I have done has led up to this point. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something very special in an amazing area. I feel privileged to be part of it.”

Mr Collins previously ran Thomas Francis Chocolatier in Hull’s Princes Avenue.

Rebranding and relaunching as Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie, Mr Collins relocated to Trinity Indoor Market in Hull’s Old Town in 2015. Now Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie aims to establish itself in the Fruit Market, creating and selling artisan chocolates, patisseries and baked goods, as well as offering chocolate-making courses, tasting sessions and seasonal events.

The £80m transformation of Hull’s cultural and creative quarter includes new and refurbished commercial, retail and leisure space centred on Humber Street.

New ventures already announced for the area include two new restaurants, Butler Whites, which opened in Humber Street last month (August), and Tapasya @ Marina, which is currently being fitted out in the former CatZero building in Humber Dock Street.

The rejuvenation of the Fruit Market is being driven forward by the joint venture company Wykeland Beal, formed by regeneration specialist Wykeland Group and residential developer Beal Homes, working in partnership with Hull City Council.

A limited number of commercial units are now available to let, with occupation by autumn 2016, with further releases in 2017. The commercial units are complemented by more than 100 new mews-style homes around private courtyards, subject to planning permission.

Tom Watson, development surveyor for Wykeland, said: “We’re keen to encourage and give opportunities to independent, artisan operators such as Jon and we’re delighted he is as excited as we are by the regeneration of the Fruit Market.

“Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie will really add to the high-quality local produce that people will be able to enjoy in Humber Street. The location is perfect for Jon’s business because, as well as serving the public, he will be able to supply the growing number of high-quality restaurants in the area.”

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