At the Hooked-On Group, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to thank our team for their loyalty and hard work. That’s why we’re so excited to have partnered with Davenport’s Chocolates in Gateshead to create beautiful handmade boxes of chocolates as a reward for continuous service.
This partnership is extra special for me personally. Over 20 years ago, when I first ordered chocolates for Blackfriars Restaurant, it was one of the very first sales for chocolatier Jane Williams, who had only just launched Davenport’s. We’ve kept in touch ever since, and it feels like such a lovely full-circle moment to be working together again- this time to celebrate the people who make our restaurants what they are.
One of the first to receive a box of Davenport’s chocolates was Emma, our talented Cookery School chef, who recently marked her one-year anniversary with us. She was absolutely delighted with the surprise.
Emma said:
“It was such a lovely surprise to receive the chocolates -I really wasn’t expecting it. It made my first year feel even more appreciated, and the fact they’re handmade locally makes it even more meaningful and they were absolutely delicious!.”
Jane said:
“When Andy placed an initial order for Blackfriars all those years ago, it meant so much that someone so highly respected in the restaurant scene of our wonderful city had faith in me from the outset. Those initial stepping stones meant a lot to me as a chocolatier starting out on my own, and it’s so lovely to still be able to work together, and bring encouragement to others through my chocolates.”
For me, it’s important that our tokens of appreciation reflect who we are as a group- thoughtful, supportive, and deeply connected to our local community. What better way to recognise loyalty than with something handcrafted with such care and passion, from a business we’ve been proud to support from the very beginning?
Andy Hook
Owner, Hooked-On Group
