Brighton has chocolate shops galore but one is head and shoulders above the competition, says Nick Mosley. He talks to master chocolatiers Titus and Michel Clement of Be Chocolat in Duke Street, Brighton.
How did you get into the wonderful world of chocolate?
We began our chocolate journey 30 years ago in Barcelona sharing our products across more than 40 shops across Spain, Singapore and China.
A few years back, we sold the company and we went to live in Bali where we developed our Be Chocolat concept.
Our obsession has always been about the quality of the chocolate. We literally make everything in front of our customers and we have no back stock. This completely sets us apart from other chocolate makers and retailers. It was certainly a challenge when we first started producing in a tropical climate!
What brought you to Brighton?
Our children moved to Brighton and through them, we discovered the beauty of the city we now call home. It was a perfect place to share our passion for chocolate so decided to open a store.
What makes Be Chocolat different to other chocolate retailers?
We are completely handmade and we make everything in front of the customer with our own recipes. All our packaging is sustainable and handmade in Bali by a company that supports Balinese women.
How do you come up with your flavours?
We create new recipes all the time but try to remain traditional with our flavours – think praline, ganache and hazelnut based gianduja. But – that said – all our products are very unique to us; you won’t find a similar tasting product in another chocolate shop.
Where do you source your ingredients from?
We work with different cocoas from Africa, South America and Indonesia. All of the cocoa suppliers we work with are 100% ethical and sustainable because they work through the Cocoa Horizons Programme. That is very important to us.
Out of your range of chocolate, what are your personal favourites?
Honestly, everything, but if I had to choose, it would have to be the cherry liqueur which I have to add is a Great Taste Awards winner. Michel loves his peanut ganache with salted caramel that scooped another award this year. Come join us in our store in Duke Street and sample.
Be Chocolat, 15 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AH
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