Pump Street Chocolate, Real Chocolate.

Honesty is a values-led business. We care about quality, transparency, sustainability and community. These core principles are reflected in our food, our sites and our people, and they are also reflected in the suppliers we choose to partner with.

We have been looking for a chocolate supplier for some time – one that doesn't use emulsifiers and other unnatural ingredients. That is not so easy in this era of industrialised food. Pump Street Chocolate is, however, just such a supplier: a craft chocolate maker that makes real chocolate by hand, from bean to bar, using traditional methods and ethical sourcing.

The business is based in Suffolk and as well as having a chocolate shop, they also have a bakery. Pump Street was founded in 2010 by a father and daughter team and its shop sits in the heart of the community. The bakery is situated in the Richmond Old Dairy in Gedgrave and the chocolate production takes place in Rendlesham.

The range of chocolate made by Pump Street is eclectic to say the least, with bars such as 'sourdough and sea salt' and 'brown bread' being inspired by the bakery business. Each bar is encased in plastic-free packaging, making a delicious nibbly moment and a lovely gift.

Craft chocolate describes the making of chocolate on a small scale, by hand or in small batches. It allows the nuanced flavours of cacao to be the most important consideration, while industrially produced chocolate is focused on creating a consistent, easily replicated taste and texture. That sounds fine, but not so great when it is done at the expense of quality, ethically sourced ingredients and public health.

Pump Street really takes care with regard to the provenance of the cacao it uses – its origin, the people who work to grow cocoa and the impact that its production has on the land. Yes, it is more expensive, but not caring about the provenance of the chocolate you buy also comes with a price: one you don't notice immediately in your pocket, but one that hits us all further down the road.

You can now find Pump Street Chocolate in all of our locations, you can also order online via click&collect or directly from Pump Street for a wider selection.

Visit their website here

All images used are copyright of Pump Street Chocolate.