Prestigious award for Welbeck chocolatier

Shelly Preston, founder and head chocolatier at Boutique Aromatique, won the Silver Award for her Mint and Basil dark chocolate creation.

Boutique Aromatique, based at the Welbeck Farm Shop, is the youngest business in the UK to have received such an award.

Said Shelley: “This is a huge honour for us. We are a tiny, rural business trading for just over a year.”

“It’s great to be flying the flag for fine chocolate in Nottinghamshire against such tough competition from the established chocolate houses in London.”

Shelly added her Mint and Basil chocolate is a particular favourite.

“Of course we’re proud of all the chocolates we produce but I have a soft spot for Mint and Basil because it was one of the original flavour blends I developed and it’s still one of my personal favourites.”

The International Chocolate Awards (ICAs) are a new scheme set up to find the best fine quality chocolates from around the world.

Each entry is submitted to a rigourous set of tests including not only taste but also texture, finish and innovation.

The judging is made up of international chocolate industry leaders, food writers, and pastry chefs overseen by a Grand Jury of Experts.

To find out more about Boutique Aromatique visit www.boutiquearomatique.com