York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at Cocoa Works

Summary

Make your own chocolate bar in York’s historic heart

You’ll smell real cocoa as soon as you walk in, then learn to temper chocolate with help from a local guide at York Cocoa Works. Create your own unique chocolate bar using single origin chocolate and mix-ins you actually pick yourself. Wrap it up to take home — or eat on the way back, no judgment.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not sweet exactly, but deep and a little earthy, like someone had just cracked open a bag of cocoa beans right under my nose. We’d barely stepped into York Cocoa Works before our guide, Anna, handed us these tiny samples of single origin chocolate. “Try this one,” she said. It melted slow on my tongue, way less sugary than supermarket stuff. I caught myself grinning at nothing in particular.

I’ll admit I thought making a chocolate bar would be easy — melt, pour, done. Nope. Anna showed us how to temper the chocolate (it’s all about the shine and that snap when you break it), and honestly, I messed up the swirl the first time. She laughed and told me everyone does. Around me there were kids with sticky fingers and grown-ups concentrating like they were taking an exam. The workshop felt relaxed though; nobody cared if your design looked like modern art gone wrong.

Picking flavors was weirdly personal — I went for sea salt and dried cherries because why not? Someone else used rose petals (looked pretty fancy). While we waited for the bars to set, Anna explained where their cocoa comes from — Ecuador mostly — and how York’s been making chocolate for centuries. There was something comforting about hearing that history while watching our bars cool behind glass.

Packing up my finished chocolate bar felt like wrapping a small secret to take home. I still think about that first bite later that night — somehow richer knowing I made it myself, even if it wasn’t perfect. If you’re ever in York and want something hands-on (and edible), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chocolate bar making workshop

• Learn chocolate manufacturing process
• Design your own chocolate bar
• Temper chocolate and add flavors
• Let chocolate bars set
• Wrap chocolate creations to take away

Top questions

Is the York Chocolate Bar Making Workshop suitable for children?

Yes, but children under 13 need to be accompanied by a full paying adult participant.

Can people with dietary requirements join the workshop?

Yes, participants can choose their own ingredients; contact the team for specific needs.

Do I get to take my chocolate bar home?

Yes, each person makes a 160g chocolate bar to wrap and take home after the workshop.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the chocolate making experience last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect enough time to learn tempering, decorate your bar, and let it set before packaging.

Where is York Cocoa Works located?

The workshop takes place at York Cocoa Works in central York.

Are service animals allowed during the activity?

Yes, service animals are allowed at York Cocoa Works.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to York Cocoa Works.

What’s included

Your experience includes hands-on instruction in tempering and decorating your own 160g single origin chocolate bar at York Cocoa Works, all necessary ingredients provided during the session, plus packaging so you can take your creation home with you at the end of the workshop.