THE co-founder of luxury confectionary brand Hotel Chocolat has spoken of his delight at opening the business's second outlet in York.

Peter Harris, who founded the Hotel Chocolat with business partner Angus Thirlwell ten years ago, was in York last week for the official launch of the business's new concession in John Lewis.

The partnership is the first time Hotel Chocolat has opened within a major retailer, with York's £15 million John Lewis, at the Vangarde Retail Park, the first new-build store to feature the concession, and only the second in the UK behind Edinburgh.

The Hotel Chocolat shop and cafe at John Lewis is the second outlet for the brand in York, with its first in Coney Street.

Mr Harris, who was joined by competition winners and special guests for the new cafe's official launch last week, said: "I think York is a fantastic place. It is a beautiful historic city, and its lovely to be able to shop and look at the lovely old buildings and established businesses.

"The people who live in York like good quality. If they value it they will buy it, and with us we are fanatical about our quality and are a very passionate business that fits well with the people of York.

"There are forever lots of people in our shop in York, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to open our second venture here with John Lewis.

"It is especially great to be here in York with it rich chocolate heritage. The terry's of this world were the real innovators and creators of our industry."