Wednesday 29 June 2022
THERE was a genuine outpouring of sadness on social media after Beverley business White Rabbit Chocolatiers announced, late yesterday afternoon, they are to close. Brother and sister Ed Hawkes and Amy Fenner, who run the business in Dyer Lane with another outlet in Hull, made the announcement on Facebook, telling friends and customers: “We deeply regret to inform you that White Rabbit Chocolatiers has closed its doors permanently.”
Within an hour almost 100 comments expressing “shock”, “heartbreak” and “sadness” had been posted, with the total being added to all the time. So far, no further explanation has been offered for the closure but Ed and Amy say there will be one final day of trading – on Monday July 4 – for people to buy remaining stock.
The artisan chocolate-making business was founded in 2004 by Ed and Amy’s mum, former teacher Sally Hawkes, and over the years the shop has been extended and expanded to include a cafe and workshop kitchen, picking up numerous awards in the process.
BEVERLEY antiques expert Caroline Hawley made her debut as a main presenter on BBC TV’s Bargain Hunt this week and during the show visited RAF Cosford to learn about a team of Spitfire-flying women. Caroline, who runs her own antiques business with husband John, with regular auctions at Beverley Racecourse, has previously appeared on the show as one of the resident experts, as well as appearing on other TV antiques shows, such as Flog It.
Caroline (pictured) told her almost 13,000 followers on Twitter: “So thrilled and honoured to be be making my Bargain Hunt presenting debut! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!”
And she told Beverley FM: “There are so many aspects of my role that I love. I enjoy meeting the contestants, all with varying interests and experience but bound by a universal passion and enthusiasm for Bargain Hunt. I do love the unknown and the challenge of hunting out hidden treasure. Every shop is different.”
To watch the programme visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0018slk/bargain-hunt-series-62-shrewsbury-24