Colchester’s premier shopping destination, Red Lion Yard and Lion Walk, has announced the latest trio of specialist desert-led retailers to join the scheme, Victoria Yum, Choccy Heaven and Minerva Chocolates.
Nestled between Colchester’s High Street and the Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Red Lion Yard is a hub for independent and local brands. Victoria Yum, the boutique cake specialist has relocated from Hackney, London to launch an 820 sq ft bakery and café in 16 Red Lion Yard. Set to open in November, Victoria Yum will now serve champagne or Prosecco alongside its unique cake offer, in the 26-cover café or alternatively take their delights home. Previously stocked in Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods, Victoria Yum will provide an indulgent experience for Red Lion Yard.
Another brand joining Red Lion Yard this month is Minerva Chocolates. Launching at 44 High Street the destination will welcome back this seasonal recurring pop-up for the Christmas period. Specialising in quality Belgium chocolates, the 350 sq ft store is located within the sympathetically refurbished Red Lion Yard and sits alongside other unique retailers.
To complete the trio, Choccy Heaven, opened at 3 Red Lion Yard last month and is the flagship site for the chocolatiers. With a focus on fresh Cream Truffles, Choccy Heaven prides itself on providing personalised and homemade chocolates for any occasion plus chocolate infused spirits. A new vegan chocolate selection is also being introduced this month to the 340 sq ft store.
Martin Leatherdale, Centre Manager at Red Lion Yard and Lion Walk commented: “As a destination, we provide a great mixed offering for our consumers from well-known brands to more specialist boutique type brands. The recent signing of Victoria Yum and welcoming back Minerva Chocolates for the Christmas period, adds to the independent feel of Red Lion Yard and strengthens our line-up of food and beverage businesses that will entice and excite both our local community and visitors.”
Kiersten Donohue, Founder and Owner of Victoria Yum commented on their relocation: “As a family run business we wanted to find a space for our only UK store that reflected our core values but whilst maintaining the authentic feel of our brand. Red Lion Yard provides a welcoming environment for us to showcase our products and, we are very excited to be launching our new home next month.”
Adding to the wider line-up in Lion Walk is The Gift Company, which recently launched and is located next to Primark at 10 Culver Walk. In addition, Lion Walk also recently welcomed the Potato Hut which provides a healthy restaurant offering low-fat jacket potatoes, sandwiches and breakfast options.
Whybrow represents Red Lion Yard, and GCW and CBRE are letting agents for Lion Walk. Victoria Yum, Choccy Heaven and Minerva Chocolates all represented themselves. Lambert Smith Hampton manages the scheme.
