This July, Wellington welcomed the opening of a fascinating new chocolate factory nestled within the local wholefoods shop, Ruxstons. After months of dedicated preparation, the store unveiled its in-house chocolatier section on July 4, inviting customers to witness the magic of chocolate-making through an interactive viewing window as they shop.
Leading the creative charge is 18-year-old Imogen Rossiter-Slade, Head of New Product Development, who has embraced the freedom to experiment with unconventional and imaginative flavors. Visitors can sample exciting varieties such as lemon, rosemary, and olive oil chocolates, rose and honey dark chocolates, and pistachio white chocolates — some of the many inventive treats the team has crafted.
New team member Kate McVicar, 21, approaches each chocolate as a blank canvas. “I’m quite artistic, so I’ve enjoyed playing around with the designs,” she shares, adding a visually stunning element to the offerings.
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Imogen’s scientific background reveals the surprising overlap between chemistry and chocolatiery, allowing her to blend art and science through trial and error experimentation. Despite preparing to study medicine this September and Kate’s ongoing training to become an architect, both didn’t anticipate venturing into confectionery. Yet, they cherish being part of this extraordinary project. “If you told me a year ago I’d be doing this, I would be shocked,” says Imogen.
The response from Wellington’s community has been overwhelmingly positive, with the pair calling it “an honour” to contribute to the town’s burgeoning food scene. Plans are already underway to introduce chocolate-making workshops, sparking considerable excitement among residents.
Ruxstons, widely known for its extensive wholefoods selection—from grass-fed meats and herbal teas to locally sourced Exmoor honey—prides itself on offering products free from artificial ingredients. In addition to its premium food range, Ruxstons operates a welcoming coffee shop on Wellington High Street.
The store welcomes customers Monday through Saturday, opening from 9am to 5:30pm on weekdays and until 5pm on Saturdays. For those unable to visit in person, a selection of their products is available for purchase online.