A renowned London chocolatier has moved to mid Norfolk to set up his own academy of chocolate. 

Gary Hunter has launched Hunters Chocolate in Helhoughton, near Fakenham. 

Mr Hunter is now taking bookings for classes ranging from a one-day ‘introduction to chocolate’, to a two-day ‘creative chocolate masterclass’.

Mr Hunter said: “Leaving full-time work has handed me a golden opportunity to pursue one of my lifetime passions.

"Originally I’d intended to hold a few masterclasses in artisan chocolate skills to ease me into retirement.

"But the more I experimented and shared my creations with friends and family, the more it became obvious that there is a shared love and a hunger for knowledge of premium chocolate among home cooks and professionals, as well as those who just like to indulge in this centuries-old delicacy.”

Fakenham & Wells Times: Hunters Chocolate also has a retail range that is available to buy - each box is hand-packed, with a hand-tied ribbonHunters Chocolate also has a retail range that is available to buy - each box is hand-packed, with a hand-tied ribbon (Image: Adam Barnes)

Mr Hunter worked for 27 years at Capital City College Group, ending his career there in May as deputy executive principal.

He has written nine books on catering and hospitality and has been a 'chocolate ambassador' for the Belgian chocolate firm Barry Callebaut since the year 2000.

Mr Hunter said he had been passionate about chocolate since his days as a student at a catering college in Norwich. He previously attended Hethersett High School. 

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Fakenham & Wells Times: Gary Hunter has launched Hunters Chocolate in HelhoughtonGary Hunter has launched Hunters Chocolate in Helhoughton (Image: Adam Barnes)

Mr Hunter said his classes would be hands-on and suitable for anyone interested in chocolate, be it as a hobby, or even people wanting to start their own business. 

He said he would also sell his own chocolate range. 

Mr Hunter said: “We refuse the additives and mass assembly lines in favour of handcrafting each piece from premium chocolate, butter, nuts and spices, and only use natural flavours.

"The end creation is a line of signature chocolates and imaginative innovations that taste, look, and smell like nothing else.”

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Fakenham & Wells Times: Gary Hunter will also host chocolate courses covering everything from ‘bean to bar’, which aims to inspire chocolate loversGary Hunter will also host chocolate courses covering everything from ‘bean to bar’, which aims to inspire chocolate lovers (Image: Adam Barnes)