One of Manchester’s many Christmas markets has had an extra-sweet addition this year, in the form of indulgent hot chocolates finished with festive toppings including Christmas cake and mince pie truffles.
Cocoa Cabana may have been a favourite on the Manchester sweet treat scene for nearly a decade, but for the first time this year it is bringing festive cheer to Escape to Freight Island’s ‘Winter Island’.
The UK's largest outdoor heated market has transformed itself into a winter wonderland, with fairy lights, Christmas trees- and plenty of food options to satisfy hungry punters.
READ MORE: The £1billion masterplan for 2,700 new homes over next 15 years for Pomona Island
The chocolatiers have concocted a Christmas menu for the occasion, which features their classic hot chocolates loaded with a variety of additional toppings.
Hot chocolates are topped with plenty of whipped cream, as well as marshmallows, mince pie, Christmas cake and champagne truffles, before being finished with thick melted chocolate.
Cocoa Cabana joins the likes of Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, Great Northern Pie and Mi & Pho at the award-winning venue, which also features an ice rink overlooking the food hall and a stage hosting live music events.
Cocoa Cabana's owner Sarah Gallacher trained as a chocolatier at the renowned chocolate-makers Slattery's before launching her own business in 2012.
She opened her first shop on Burton Road in West Didsbury and soon saw success for her tempting offerings of homemade chocolates, cakes and other sweet treats.
Within five years demand had grown so much that she bought a bigger shop in the same area, and in 2019 she further expanded to opening a second store in the Ancoats neighbourhood.
In a statement on their website, the shop described themselves as ‘an award-winning chocolatier that prides itself on creativity, passion and incredible flavours.’
“Over the past eight years, we’ve become famous throughout the North West for the love we put into our decadent, artisan chocolates, cakes, sweet treats and delicious cocktails – every one created with its own Cocoa Cabana twist.” They said.
“Our traditional and experimental chocolates, handcrafted on our premises using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients, can be found in our Didsbury and Ancoats venues or bought online for gifts, celebrations or – of course – simply to treat yourself.”
The Ancoats shop additionally offers extended opening hours to cater for serving chocolate-themed cocktails in the evening, as well as offering bottomless afternoon tea and a private event space for parties and other special occasions.
Both shops have received accolades since opening, with Cadburys even featuring them as part of their campaign to encourage people to support local businesses, and one happy customer even described the chocolatiers as being ‘a chocolate lover’s heaven’,
A reviewer commented: “I absolutely love it here, it’s dangerous being right under my nose and there being the most amazing treats available but it’s my little guilty pleasure.
“The cakes are divine and there’s always a vegan option, the chocolates are delicious and are priced very reasonably. Cocktails are amazing too and very creative!
“Best thing about it has to be Frank the lil dog coming and greeting you then having a snuggle if you choose to sit in.”
Another added: “Their incredible knowledge of chocolate origins, flavours, pairings, and how to make different variations was amazing. I loved every bit of my experience.”
The Christmas menu is available at Escape to Freight Island, located at 11 Baring Street, M1 2PZ. Cocoa Cabana is located at 168 Burton Road, West Didsbury,M20 1LH and 7 Murray Street, Ancoats, M4 6HS.
For more information, visit their website here , or follow their Instagram page here.
For all the latest news and updates, click here to subscribe to our newsletter
