If ever there was a land of Easter Eggs, surely it’s Wicked Chocolate. Step through the door and be dazzled by the sheer number and variety on display, each one carefully selected by chocolate experts – and Wicked Chocolate owners Jen and Graham. We were lucky enough to grab a moment of their time to find out more about how Oxford’s very own answer to Willy Wonka came about and what they enjoy most about Easter in the shop.
What first inspired you to start Wicked Chocolate, and when did the business begin?
We started in 2015 and needed something to fit nicely alongside gelato, which is obviously seasonal, and we thought chocolate would work beautifully. It turned out to be worthy of its own shop as the demand dictated. We change and diversify as we go, and like all successful businesses, we have had to.
When you were setting up the business, what did you want to do differently and why did you choose The Covered Market?
Ah well it was only ever going to be in The Covered Market. Nowhere else was even considered as Graham’s first ever job at the age of 14 was peeling vegetables on a Saturday in the Covered Market. Also having worked in the city for most of his life we just knew it’s where Wicked Chocolate had to be. Jen is also local and has been coming to the covered market for over 60 years. It’s the heartbeat of the City Centre for quirky, independent shops with passionate and hard-working traders. There has always been a very cosmopolitan family in the market and still is to this day.
What do you enjoy most about creating and curating your Easter egg range each year?
Well, we have been doing this for almost 11 years, so we know what works, but also what doesn’t. We know our discerning regulars well, always looking for something different, good quality, good provenance, good price. We enjoy finding surprises for them, but we also know what we must always stock, otherwise there will be tears!
What’s the most unusual Easter egg sale you ever made and what would you say is the most indulgent Egg from this years collection and why?
Our 3kg eggs were a regular big hit with a Grandad from Summertown who liked his grandchildren to share one big egg but also an Oxford student hosting a party bought one to drop from the top of the stairs for everyone to share!
The most sumptuous egg is from Booja Booja – who have been working with a Persian Dowry in Kashmir for over 20 years. The ladies there make the shells from very thick papier mache; they are then hand-painted by them & then filled with stunning Booja Booja truffles. The shell then makes a fabulous & unique thing to keep, long after the truffles have been eaten.
Fun ones are a Rugby ball (with Guinness) and this year we even have a football.
Where to find Wicked Chocolate
To find out more and where to find Wicked Chocolate in the market click on the button below.