First NI branch of hot chocolate chain to open in Belfast

Victoria Square will become home to the first outlet of the hot chocolate business on the island of Ireland.

Their website’s page for their Belfast store says: “We’re really looking forward to opening our Belfast store in Victoria Square Shopping Centre.”

The news is welcome for Victoria Square, which has seen several businesses leave in recent months.

The fashion store Tessuti, which opened at the site of the former Topshop in December 2022, has been holding a closing-down sale.

Signs in the shopfront of the flagship location said it would close in August.

H&M also left Victoria Square after opening a location at The Keep in Castle Lane.

Outdoor wear shop Craghoppers also announced it was ceasing trading from its store in Victoria Square, although they still have a location in Boucher Retail park.

And fashion retailer Ted Baker is also expected to close its store in the centre along with all its other shops around the UK.

Speaking in July, Russell Banham, UK head at property company Commerz Real, which owns Victoria Square, said: “There continues to be strong interest from market-leading retailers who recognise Victoria Square as Northern Ireland’s premier shopping destination.

“We are currently in advanced discussions with a number of exciting, well-known brands who will be announced in the coming months.”

Knoops’ proposed Belfast opening was first reported in the Irish News.

The first Knoops outlet opened in 2013 in East Sussex, and it currently lists over 20 stores on their website, with several due to open shortly.

The company was founded by Jens Knoop, who grew up in the German countryside.

They sell a number of different blends of hot chocolate both to go, and to sit in. They also sell their blends online.

They recently opened their first stores in Scotland with two locations in Edinburgh, and are set to expand across the Irish Sea.