ONE of York’s newest visitor attractions has invested in its facilities following a busy Easter period.

York’s Chocolate Story, which opened in King’s Square last year, has installed a new kitchen in its demonstration area to give its chocolatiers more scope to show their skills.

It has also increased the seating capacity in its café to meet demand and widened its menu to include sundaes and chocolate-themed cocktails, inspired by York brands.

The attraction celebrated its first birthday with its busiest spell so far over Easter, and had cause for a double celebration after securing accreditation by Visit England to the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme. The scheme recognises “exceptional” customer experience.

Jenny Tutty, operations manager, said virtually all the attraction's tours during the first two weeks of April were full, adding: “This is a fantastic start to the season - tours were regularly sold out during the Easter holidays as we shared stories of York’s confectionary heritage with people from near and far.

“The VAQAS accreditation recognises the amazing work of our team, who always go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best experience possible to our visitors.”

Head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite said the new kitchen meant the team could make more chocolate, create their own products for the shop and café and increase the diversity of what they offer.

“People who come on the tours and watch us doing interactive chocolate demos will see new techniques and use of equipment and taste a broader range of products,” he said.

York’s Chocolate Story includes a guided tour of the delicacy’s origins and secrets and facts about the city’s chocolate heritage. It is open every day from 10am to 6pm, with the last daily tours starting at 5pm, and admission is £9.50 for adults, £8.50 for concessions, £7.50 for children and £28 for a family ticket. More information and discounted booking opportunities are at yorkschocolatestory.com