About Us
Who we are
About Us
Old Bank House Chocolate Shop was founded by owners Mark & Michelle Farran 31 years ago, transforming what was formerly the town of Ambleside’s old District Bank into a luxury confectionery shop in 1992.
Our now adored chocolate shop began its journey with the aspirations of continuing to provide top quality confectionery, a goal inspired by past generations of the Farran family. Robert Farran was the first in the family to enter the confectionery business who began his career making traditional rock and sweets in the seaside town of Blackpool. After establishing himself as a well-known Blackpool rock maker, opportunities presented themselves which allowed Robert to expand his skills internationally, travelling to Spain and the USA to work with others in the candy industry.
Specialty Chocolate Makers
Why Choose US
Our Story
Old Bank House History
On returning to the UK the decision was made to open their first chocolate shop, based in Cumbria, followed by a second shop in the town centre of Blackpool managed by his wife Katherine Farran. This expansion allowed Robert to start making chocolate on the premises and began creating the recipes for our original signature truffles we are proud to serve in our shop today!
Mark and Michelle Farran were next to join the world of chocolate in 1992 by founding the shop you know and love today, Old Bank House Chocolates, Ambleside. As the shop developed, all family recipes were passed onto the next generation and production of chocolates commenced on the premises for all to see in the front room of the old bank. Since 2009 the shop has attracted visitors who can peer through the window to see our chocolate machines and watch our master chocolatiers producing everything by hand.
Over the course of 31 years this small family business has built up a reputation for providing not only luxury handmade chocolates but also a friendly and welcoming environment which draws back customers from all over the country who return each year for their favourite treats.
Chocolatier Daniel Farran, son to Michelle and Mark, is enthusiastic about driving their family business forward by creating delicious new chocolate inventions and providing our original shop favourites online so that our delicious artisan chocolates can be enjoyed by everyone in the UK at the click of a button!
