Easter weekend is finally upon us, and we’ll be spending it eating our way through all the eggs we hope to receive (and the ones we bought ourselves). Whilst we’re all getting settled in for the four-day weekend, what better way to celebrate this holiday than highlight some of Manchester’s best independent chocolatiers? Whether you’re into dairy-free, vegan, white or dark, one of these chocolate houses will have everything you’re after.

Cocoa Tree

Based in stylish Chorlton, this family-run business is a newbie to the Manchester chocolatier scene, but they’ve already made their mark with their incredibly unique sculptures that are often hand-painted. Alongside their beautiful Easter speciality collection, their everyday individual chocolates are perfect as a gift for your loved ones, or for yourself to enjoy this evening. With flavours such as double mint ganache, peanut butter, and Sorrento orange, you’ll definitely struggle to choose your favourites.

Just as an added bonus, Cocoa Tree also operate as a café, so you can pick up an iced mocha (featuring their very own chocolate made on-site) whilst you shop for your Easter treats.

Dormouse Chocolates

Proud to call themselves the first bean to bar producer in Manchester, Dormouse Chocolates have been supplying our favourite treats since 2015 and winning plenty of awards whilst they’re at it. Based centrally at Great Northern Warehouse, this chocolate shop is perfect for your quick lunch break fix, or during an afternoon of shopping. If you’re a super chocaholic, these specialists can also provide you with the afternoon of a lifetime, with their exclusive ‘Chocolate Club’. These events will give you a chance to try various ingredients and chocolates made by their in-house experts.

If you’re spoilt for choice, we recommend the Egg on Toast chocolate bar. It’s easily the coolest chocolate bar we’ve ever had, and it even has a runny peach ‘yolk’.

Cocoa Cabana

Artisan chocolate, decadent desserts and quirky cocktails are all on offer from the renowned Cocoa Cabana, who's been spoiling us with their chocolate delights for over 8 years. Based out of their tearoom in West Didsbury, these guys have also recently opened a new chocolate house and cocktail bar in the up-and-coming area of Ancoats. Perfect for summer evening strolls through the Northern Quarter. Choose from chocolate afternoon tea, chocolate espresso martinis and much more in their beautiful venues that will look great on your Instagram feed, or order their amazing gooey brownies on their website for home delivery. Either way, we cannot recommend their chocolatier skills enough and we know you’ll love them too.

Slattery

Manchester’ third-generation family-run chocolate house Slattery was founded in 1967 and has been based in Whitefield ever since. Known as Pâtissiers and Chocolatiers, this family really do know what they’re talking about when it comes to desserts. Their chocolate skills dominate the north of the city where they own a retail store, Mason’s Dining Room, their very own onsite bakery, and even the Slattery School of Excellence. Yes, that’s right. You can even take courses with them directly! Throughout their decades of operation, Slattery has continued to expand their business to offer everything you could possibly want in the form of desserts. Why not visit with friends and family to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, and whilst you’re there, pick up one of their ‘ultimate’ chocolate bars. Loaded with toppings and double dipped in chocolate, we think the Oreo and Daim bars are to die for.

We don’t know how you’re going to choose which chocolatier to visit first, but make sure they’re all deffo on your list. If you can’t get there in person, you can also order online from any of our favourite featured chocolatiers and their sweet goodness will be delivered straight to your door. Why not tag us in your chocolate hauls and city selfies when discovering these local businesses? Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.