Five fabulous edible Easter treats in Cheshire

It will soon be Easter, the perfect excuse to eat your bodyweight in chocolate and that other seasonal delicacy, Hot Cross Buns, say Richard Dash, of Lost in Cheshire, the local guide to the Cheshire food scene

Oli The Choc

Born into the family's chocolate business, Oli will tell you chocolate is in his DNA. 

As a child he lived in a house with a chocolate factory downstairs (#goals). He watched his dad start something from nothing. Using skills learnt from his father and taking inspiration from his family's journey, Oli has forged his way through the world of chocolate making in a modern world.  

Forget traditional Easter eggs here. You’re more likely to find a chocolate Batman, Dr Dre or Lego people. To be honest, you think of it, he’ll make it out of chocolate. This year for Easter, why not try one of his in-person chocolate making workshops. Sculpt your own treats and unlock your inner chocstar! 

@oli_the_choc, olithechoc.com  

The Hollies Farm Shop

You can’t let Easter pass you by without a little meander around your local farm shop. With so many to choose from, spread all over Cheshire, we thought we would take you to award winning Hollies Farm Shop in Tarporley. This family-run business is dedicated to showcasing the finest produce that Cheshire has to offer. They have it all, from butcher to bakery – all the essentials for your Easter Sunday lunch. While you're there, make sure you take a pit stop in Café 59 for some Easter treats. They have the cutest handmade Easter chocolates. Buy them wrapped with a big bow to takeaway or ready to devour with your Easter hot chocolate, which is a mandatory, as we all know how unpredictable the weather can be in April.

theholliesfarmshop.co.uk

Chocolate, Dunn the Cheshire way 

Simon Dunn Chocolatier is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. 40 years of making incredible chocolate and, we’re told by Simon, the business has never been stronger. 

In 2013 Simon made the bold move to take his brand away from the high streets and back to its roots in High Lane, Stockport, stripping away the coffees and concentrating on what they do best - chocolate! 

In 2017 Simon was lucky enough to visit Ghana with his son to watch first-hand the cocoa farmers at work. Putting pen to paper Simon then published his first book, Cocoa the Bean, telling the story of how chocolate goes from the tree to the high quality easter treats you’ll find in Simon's store. 

@simon_dunn_choc, simondunnchocolates.co.uk 

Flour, Water, Hot Cross Buns

An Easter treat table wouldn’t be a complete Easter treat table without traditional Hot Cross Buns. After all you’re going to need a break from all that chocolate… Flour Water Salt is an independent artisan bakery in Macclesfield. They have, we can confirm, THE best freshly baked bread pastries. Locals queue around the corner for a chance to nab them fresh from the oven. They also supply local cafés and traders. They make their bread slowly from the best organic ingredients and everything is done by hand. It’s no surprise that their seasonal hot cross buns sell like hot cakes. Be sure you snap them up quick before they’re gone, you don’t want to have to wait another year! 

@_flourwatersalt, flourwatersalt.co.uk 

Buzzed to Bee here! 

If you’re anyone who’s slightly interested in Cheshire food and the artisans that are raising the bar, you will undoubtedly have heard of Buzzy Bee. We have been following these girls for years. Founder Lydia started her journey to baking stardom by trading at the artisan markets around Cheshire. Word travelled fast and her baked goods started to sell out before even fully getting everything on display. It was time to call in the cavalry so sister Millie joined the team and they’ve been taking Cheshire by storm ever since. It’s no surprise to see that this has now grown into a family  bakery in Wilmslow. This year, the team will be inventing their own Easter eggs stuffed with brownies; Cadbury Cream Egg Brownies; and Brookies. Is your mouth watering yet? 

@buzzybee, buzzybeebakery.co.uk 

Lost in Cheshire is Cheshire's most up to date guide to the local food scene, from dining out to take-home delights.