Stamford Heavenly Chocolate are closing their Oakham shop on Christmas Eve.

After less than a year in their new Oakham home, the team have announced the closure of the Mill Street store. The Sacrewell shop will remain open and the team will continue to run a range of workshops.

Owner, Barbara, posted on social media: "I have taken the difficult decision to close my Oakham shop.

"It was my dream to have a little shop like this and I am feeling very sad at the moment. I have worked hard to try and keep it going but from the summer onwards its been an up hill struggle starting with the heat wave. We lost most of our stock back at Sacrewell from the heat as well as no one wanting to buy chocolate while it was so hot from both shops.

"We also haven't had the footfall throughout the summer we were hoping for, then the cost of living crisis and energy bills going up, not to mention the rising cost of ingredients that have skyrocketed. As a small independent business I need to do what I can to save the rest of my business, so when we close the doors at Oakham for Christmas sadly we will not be opening again in the new year.

"Stamford Heavenly Chocolate is going nowhere, we will still be trading as normal from Sacrewell, so you can still buy our chocolates or order online from us. You will see us out and about more next year at lots of events (if you run an event and would like us to come with our chocolates please send us a message, as we would love to come).

"I would would like to thank everyone who has supported me through my Oakham journey."

Image courtesy of Stamfrod Heavenly Chocolates

The last day of trading for the store will be Christmas Eve, so there is still time to get your Christmas day treat, sweets and stocking fillers.

The Oakham store can be found until Christmas Eve at:

1 The Maltings

Mill Street

Oakham

Rutland

Visit the original store at:

Sacrewell

Thornhaugh

Peterborough

PE8 6HJ

Alternatively, the team can be contacted on 07828565281.

Visit the Stamford Heavenly Chocolate website to treat yourself, order goodies, and find out more about the chocolate workshops on offer.