A Shop Good Enough To Eat! (Thorntons)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Thorntons
Date:	16/10/08 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great for special treats, personalised gifts and seasonal products

Disadvantages: Can be a bit pricey when compared to average supermarket products

If you're in the mood for some special chocolate, not just the average chocolate bars manufactured by the millions, then Thorntons has a range of indulgences in one shop.

Thorntons was established in 1911 by Joseph Thornton, and has since become a very popular haven amongst chocolate lovers. With around 400 shops and cafes, 200 franchies and their internet/commercial services, it's easy to see that their £180 million turnover is the result of a very successful business.

Most towns and cities will now have a Thorntons shop and most are fairly small. I like that the stores are quite small because you get the feel of the products being special and original, unlike in a supermarket where you can get shelves packed full of the same old batch produced multi packs.

Thorntons cater for different tastes in chocolate, so whether you like it plain, flavoured, fruity or nutty, you should find something you like. They also cater for different occasions; if you're just looking for a snack they have individually wrapped smaller bars (such as fudge) and childrens treats for £0.50-1.50. If you want something to share, they do great share sized bags for around £1-£2. My favourite would probably be the chocolate coated special toffee, mmm! They're excellent for present ideas with a good selection of boxed chocolates including their classic, diabetics, moments and continental collection. Hampers and personalised chocolate gift sets are also available, though there is usually less of a selection in the extra small shops. Hampers can be quite pricey also, with prices around £25. The thing I love about Thorntons is that do they plain chocolate figures which you can get personalised for free. The products are clearly labelled to indicate they're available for free icing. For example, they do a plain chocolate plaque for around £4-5 and you can get a happy birthday message put on with icing whilst you pay so you're giving someone the gift of yummy chocolate with a personal touch :) Other items are available too and are usually for occasions, ie. easter egg shaped chocolate at Easter, champagne glass shaped for 21st/celebration gift etc. Chocolate cakes are also sold. I've bought the small birthday one with toffee/fudge bits on top for under £4 and highly recommend it as it's a good price for a delicious cake!

They do good seasonal products for the main yearly events like Easter, Halloween and Christmas so you get a good choice between something classic and more traditional, or novel.

In the summer they also do scoop icecream and that's always very popular because everytime I've walked past Thorntons there's been a queue for the it. Hardly surprising though as it's delicious.

As for the chocolate itself, I can't rate it highly enough. I've found different varieties to all have a sweet, rich taste without being sickly, and a velvety texture. Top quality yumminess!

The prices can be a bit costly if you compare them to supermarket products, but this is a great treat shop. You're getting something a bit special so I would say it's worth it. The slight downside would be that some very small shops don't have such a good variety, but I'd still say there's enough choice to find something you like. I wish they'd sell boxes of chocolates that are plain though, with just one type of chocolate as often when you buy a mixed box for the family there's always a few that don't get eaten because no one likes the flavour. The service I've found to always be very helpful and friendly, and the often have sample chocolates at the till which is reason enough to pop in to Thorntons ;)

Summary: It's definitely "chocolate heaven since 1911", yum yum! :o)