Sweet victory for Hotel Chocolat at Highcross Awards

The chain has 70 stores nationwide and won Best Retailer at the awards show, before going on to scoop the award for best newcomer, scoring a cash prize of £500.

Charlotte Read, 23, Hotel Chocolat Senior Sales, said: “It went brilliantly, not only winning the best newcomer award but also the best retailer in Highcross, phenomenal.

“We had a feeling that we had done well on the mystery shoppers that had been in the store, but we had no idea that we would win.”

The award ceremony, which took place on Tuesday October 7 at Showcase Cinema De Lux, featured 17 categories for retailers and restaurants across the Highcross.

Other winners included Pizza Express for best restaurant, Karen Millen for best men/women’s fashion, Fun Tea for the “Peoples Choice” award and Bianca Wright of T.M.Lewin for store manager of the year.

Peter Isle, Retail Liaison Manager of Highcross Leicester, said: “We were really impressed by the efforts people made to glam up for the night.

“I hope everyone who attended enjoyed the evening and it’s certainly becoming a bigger event each year and a special occasion.”

The winner of each category received £250 and a certificate to signify their victory.

Capital FM DJs Dino and Pete hosted the ceremony, which began at 8.15pm and finished at 11.00pm.

Leicester Highcross shopping centre, which opened in 2008 features over 135 stores and services.