Reviews for TOSIER CHOCOLATE, MIDDLETON

5/5 from Leila
2 years ago
Absolutely fantastic chocolate business! We were so well looked after by Emile, who made us the BEST hot chocolate we have ever tried. The family dynamic is warm and the space is relaxing yet exciting, as you’re able to watch the chocolate being made. We were able to try the chocolates before purchasing and we were very much encouraged to do so which was extremely generous and very delicious! The artisan nature of this business really affects the taste of the products, in all the best ways possible. It‘s crafted beautifully and Emile talked us through the chocolate with complete knowledge and brilliant suggestions. This is a total gem for anyone who loves chocolate, but also those who love to try new, innovative and well sourced foods.
1/5 from Horse
2 years ago
Absurdly expensive, disingenuous and pretentious. There are better tasting products that cost less and deliver greater value to the farmers, for example 'Divine' which is 44% Ghanaian farmer's co-operative owned; 90 gram bar at £2.70 versus a Tosser 60 gram bar at £6.50. Don't believe the hype. The name 'Tosier' and it's boorish allusions of ancient royal connections has nothing to do with the family that set this company up in 2016 despite that being the intimation; "remains a family business to this day" - not quite a lie, just marketing speak for 'we think you are an idiot'. Edit: response to your response: The taste, is lovely, how could it not be. The small artisanal model leads to high overheads which are reflected in the price, though there are other artisanal, single source, small batch producers who are less expensive; making 72% 75g bars for £4.50, also with no lecithin, emulsifiers nor vanilla. To call something vegan and then to state that it's dairy free is odd. Maybe it would be more honest to say that it is plant based. You have no vegan society certification after all, but I could be wrong about this. The Direct Trade model has many overlaps with FairTrade and we like all of those: human and child rights, working conditions and the environment, and there do seem to be some some benefits, such as higher farmgate prices, yet Direct Trade does not have a levy for community projects. In reference to Divine, the company is part owned by the farmers, so as well as being paid for their produce, they also receive a share in the profits. However there are no standards and in fact still no clear definition for Direct Trade as such, despite it being around for well over a decade (for coffee). It's great that there is growing transparency in the production of cacao and that you have decided to buy into and from that model. While Fairtrade offers protection for the farmer, the aspirational offer of Direct Trade can lead to situations that are unregulated and less than ideal. By disrespecting the FairTrade model (by your son) there is a real danger of driving customers away from a production model that has social enterprise at it's core. Telling people that only 20% of fairtrade produce is required in a product only drives people away from all FairTrade, and that does not benefit farmers, of the many products, who get paid for 100% of their produce. FairTrade is not perfect, it can and should do better in response to Direct Trade and issues of quality, but their Standards also require employers to bridge the gap between actual pay and the living wage in their region, to reduce environmental degradation and to challenge unfair trading practices as a few for instances, these are not issues that Direct Trade can affect. Though there is no requirement for recyclable packaging, your products contain many items that have to be disposed of in landfill. Such a shame as I was genuinely excited when I walked into your workshop. As far as your company name, when you write 'remains a family business to this day' after the royal puff, you clearly wish to draw an allusion, and this is why I wrote that you think your customers are idiots, well, you might not, but when I asked about the interesting things on the tables, your son called me a sucker and 'that I had bit', like a fish, hook line and sinker.
5/5 from clark
2 years ago
We love coming here after a dog walk, for the best hot chocolate we have ever had. A treat that is becoming rather addictive!!
5/5 from Sarah
2 years ago
We did the bean to bar chocolate workshop and tour. It was very educational and we learned a lot about chocolate making process and tasted various origins to identify how where the beans come from changes the taste. We then did the workshop to make our own chocolate. This was a memorable experience and would highly recommend. It was clear that everyone was very passionate about what they do and it's definitely made me think more about how I buy chocolate in the future.
5/5 from Annette
2 years ago
We had the pleasure of a tour and tasting session at Tosier. Deanna, Jonathan, and Emile are clearly passionate about their mission to research the best ingredients and create top quality chocolate from bean to bar. That passion is clearly evident in the end products in their range. From the moment of arrival, we were made to feel very welcome, nothing was too much trouble. The tour, beginning with a drink of delicious home-made hot chocolate, included a full and very informative explanation of the bean to bar process and a tasting of the wares. Throughout all of this people were arriving for hot drinks or to buy chocolate. Everyone was catered for with ease, interest and unhurried service. We thank all three of you for a very enjoyable morning at Tosier. We will be back for more purchases and for the bread, whisky and chocolate session on the 17th February. David and Annette Watts 03/03/24
5/5 from A&P
2 years ago
We chanced upon Tosier at the weekend and are so glad we did! The chocolate is WONDERFUL, the service super-friendly, and the hot chocolate out of this world. Thank goodness for talented speciality companies like this.
5/5 from Susan
3 years ago
The shop was closed for refurbishment but the owners kindly allowed us to go in to taste and buy some chocolate. They were really helpful and the chocolate was amazing. Best chocolate coated raisins we've ever had and the Suffolk Shingle is a great idea and a perfect gift. Some amazing bars of chocolate and it was really interesting hearing about the different beans. Looking forward to going back for a factory tour when it's open.
5/5 from pop
3 years ago
Had the pleasure of a full tour of the factory, as soon as you walk in you can feel the Love that they put into their products and the more you stay around the more you learn about how much work and experience and passion is needed. Changes your view about Chocolate and I'm sure that if you liked chocolate before you entered, you will love it by the time you get out.For me , best chocolate I've ever tasted !!!
5/5 from John
3 years ago
Tried a bar of the 80% Hacienda Limon Ecuador bought at Ely Farmer's Market after an interesting chat about the process. It's complex, pure flavour and delicious.
5/5 from Lana
3 years ago
Absolutely recommend this beautiful chocolate. The owners Dina and Johnathan are lovely and very talented at what they do. Recommend the 70% Haiti Bar!