valentines

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Cocoa Ben’s wants to share a passion for chocolate

WHAT started out as a hobby has become a full-time passion for 28-year-old Ben Marshall, who dreams of one day opening his own shop in Newbury. Using all his own recipes, it takes him around three hours to make and pack a batch of 200 truffles. Ben says his signature treat is Champagne and Cointreau, but his offerings of salted caramel, raspberry and Madagascan dark are also rather special, particularly if you are hoping to woo your Valentine. The chocolatier’s passion for chocolate-making became his new life goal after visiting a cocoa plantation in Granada. He said: “I started doing it as a hobby – because obviously we all love a bit of chocolate. “I wanted to do something more creative… I’m very passionate about doing what I love and making that your work. I went to the Caribbean and that sold it for me. “I want to end up doing it full time and make a regular income from it. And although his creativity is growing with each batch, Ben

Fine romance at The Vineyard

swim together in the heated pool – it’s the perfect way to relax before the evening ahead. In the morning, you can enjoy a five-star breakfast to finish off

Young Sommelier of the Year 2019? For a night away, the Valentine’s break promises to be the ultimate romantic retreat. Your luxury double room – which features a king size bed, personal Nespresso coffee machine, fluffy robes and slippers and more – awaits. There’ll also be a chilled bottle of Champagne Taittinger, a dozen red roses and luxury handmade chocolate waiting for you to enjoy. Before dinner, why not head down to the luxurious, private spa for a little quality time?

THE Vineyard is the place to eat, sleep and drink wine. They also love a celebration. In the month of romance, whisk yourselves away to the best of Berkshire, to a place where you can relax, be spoilt and be in great company – including 30,000 bottles of wine. If you just want to experience Robby Jenks’ fantastic food and the ambience of the stylish restaurant, then dine from the Valentine’s menu and enjoy a seven-course sensory feast. To make the evening truly special, why not add paired wines to each course, which will be carefully selected by head sommelier Romain Bourger, UK

your stay – it’s the perfect Valentine’s celebration. The Valentine’s menu is available from Tuesday, February 12, to Saturday, February 16.

His delicious chocolates can be found online at cocoabens.co.uk, or are available to buy in the Dew Pond and independent coffee shop Harrison’s Coffee in Northbrook Street. “I wanted to do something I love. The first goal was to try it as a hobby, and now the shop and full-time is next.” So if you want to indulge your loved one, what better way than with some local, homemade chocolate from Cocoa Ben’s. Visit www.cocoabens.co.uk

says that the ethics of his mouth- watering creations are also becoming ingrained. “It’s all fresh. I want as little colouring or additives I can possibly get – that’s why I changed to Casa Luker [a Colombian cocoa supplier]. “I want to support the actual producers of the cocoa, not the cheapest I can find, and that means they are paid a fair price. “I also want to get more into the vegan side.”

Seven courses are £95 per person. Seven courses with paired wines are £160 per person. Valentine breaks are subject to availability, from £599 for two. For more information please contact reservations on (01635) 528770.

Soak up the bubbles in the Jaccuzi or enjoy a leisurely

Valentine’s Dinner 14th – 17th February 2019

FALL IN LOVE , WITH CHOCOLATE

Make time for each other this Valentine’s with a delicious four-course dinner in stylish and romantic surroundings. Start the evening with a JODVV RI À]] DQG D VLQJOH UHG URVH WR JLYH WR WKH RQH \RX ORYH Even Cupid couldn’t do better! £39.50 per person Call us to book your table on (01635) 551199

Limited edition, handmade Raspberry Caramel Love Hearts. The perfect way to say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day.

BOX OF 6 - £6 / BOX OF 12 - £11

WWW.COCOABENS .CO.UK

www.donningtonvalley.co.uk

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