Golden ticket for Inverness as local chocolatier to open shop inside tiny historic Steeple

Recognised Highland chocolate brand Cocoa Bothy has announced plans to open a tiny chocolate shop inside the historic Inverness Town Steeple this summer.

Founded by Inverness local Angus Macleod in 2025, Cocoa Bothy began as an online chocolatier business and has quickly built a loyal following through limited weekly drops, seasonal collections, pop-ups and its signature Bothy Bar Sets. The business was recently Highly Commended as a Rising Star/Emerging Business at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.

Cocoa Bothy’s new home sits within one of Inverness’ most recognisable landmarks. The Town Steeple was built in 1791 and once formed part of the former Inverness Tolbooth, standing at the heart of the city where High Street, Bridge Street and Church Street meet.

“The opportunity to lease the Steeple shop came up just after I had made the decision to take Cocoa Bothy full time, and I instantly fell in love with the quirky space,” said Angus Macleod, founder and chocolatier at Cocoa Bothy.

“Rather than seeing the small footprint as a barrier, I’m leaning into the heritage, charm and slight madness of creating what might just be the smallest shop in the city. It feels like a proper golden ticket moment.”

Cocoa Bothy’s production is based in the village of Tomatin, where Angus crafts filled chocolate bars and selection boxes, with flavours changing regularly. Popular creations have included collaboration bars with fellow Highland businesses Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Loch Ness Honey Co.

The announcement brings an independent chocolatier presence back to Inverness city centre following the closure of Story Chocolates in the Victorian Market last year. Lucas and Ingrid Story had run the much-loved shop since 2002 and were a treasured part of the city’s food and retail scene.

The steeple shop served as a jewellers for many years, prior to being home to a surname history, coats of arms, and heraldic gift shop in recent years. The shop will undergo a transformation in the coming weeks and initially open at weekends through the summer, giving chocolate lovers the chance to pick up weekly Cocoa Bothy treats, in tandem with limited online releases.

The opening date is anticipated to be at the end of June with chocolate fans encouraged to follow Cocoa Bothy on social media or subscribe for updates at www.cocoabothy.co.uk.