A CHOCOLATE drinks specialist is all set to open a new shop in York city centre next week.

Cocoa Joe's is a small independent business, specialising in single origin hot and cold chocolate drinks.

Director and founder, Joe Andrew, 23, set out trading from a market stall in Greenwich before following his mum and dad, Heather and Charles, back to Yorkshire and opening their first shop in Pateley Bridge.

The University of York graduate said he's hoping to open on Tuesday (May 18) in his new premises at 11, Museum Street, formerly the home of another independent drinks specialist, Demijohn.

Joe, who studied politics, philosophy and economics at York, said he can't wait to open.

"There's nowhere better than York for chocolate, my mum's first job was in the Rowntree's factory so there's a family connection to the city," said Joe.

"We looked at a number of places to expand to and York was a logical step after Pateley Bridge. We have gone from a market stall to a small shop to a second small shop so it's stepping stones, rather than jumping off a cliff in terms of our growth and development."

The new store will employ seven people, four full and three part-time and they hope to open 9am-5pm seven days a week.

The menu is based around 13 different solid chocolates for customers to choose from with everything from mochas to hot chocolates and iced chocolates.

There will be flavours like chocolate orange, cardamom and lavender, but there will be a focus on the origin of the beans.

Principally the business will be takeaway with a small seating area inside, but they are just opposite Museum Gardens for people to go and enjoy their drinks in the park.

"It's really not a bad view," said Joe.

Joe will be managing the new shop alongside Hollie Hastings who has been working in Pateley Bridge until recently. As well as drinks the shop will sell tiffin along with the chocolate used to make the beverages.