Handmade In
Sussex And Rooted
In British Tradition
Audrey’s Is
A Celebration
Of Exquisite Taste
And Timeless Craftsmanship

Handmade In Sussex
And Rooted In British Tradition
Audrey’s Is A Celebration
Of Exquisite Taste And Timeless Craftsmanship

Audrey’s, the oldest chocolatier in Sussex, has been delighting chocolate lovers with its handcrafted creations since 1948. Known for its artisanal chocolates, this family-run business has become a symbol of quality and craftsmanship, attracting customers from across the UK.

At the core of Audrey’s are its signature cream chocolates – a classic treat loved by generations. These creams, delicately flavoured and covered in rich chocolate, reflect the brand’s dedication to traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Decades on, these cherished treats remain a key part of Audrey’s selection, alongside a range of other chocolates, each crafted with the same attention to detail that has defined Audrey’s since its founding.

The history of audrey’s

1920-40's


William Pain (pictured meeting the then Prince Charles) began his career as a trainee chocolatier at Fortnum & Mason, during a time when the iconic store still crafted its chocolates in-house at 181 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London. As William’s skills flourished, so too did Fortnum & Mason’s reputation, becoming renowned for offering some of the finest chocolates in the country.

Following the war, William played a pivotal role in establishing Fortnum & Mason as the true home of English handmade chocolates. He later went on to run Floris Chocolatier alongside Frederick Floris at 39 Brewer Street in Soho, London — a celebrated chocolatier that would go on to supply Fortnum & Mason itself.

Remarkably, to this day, some of the very tools and equipment from those chocolate kitchens — now over 100 years old — are still in use at Audrey’s, a living testament to the craft and legacy William helped to build.

1948


Audrey’s was founded as a small confectioner at 88 Church Road in Hove by Lionel and Dorothy Hamblin. The shop offered a selection of chocolates and bakery items, quickly becoming a local favourite. The name "Audrey’s" was inspired by Dorothy’s middle name. Around this time, William Pain became General Manager of Floris Chocolates, continuing their longstanding partnership supplying chocolate to Fortnum & Mason.

1961


William Pain left Floris Chocolates and, together with his wife Clarice, acquired Audrey’s Chocolates. Drawing on his extensive experience as a master chocolatier, William shifted the focus of Audrey’s entirely to chocolate making. As the business flourished, it soon outgrew its original premises and moved to 28 Holland Road, Hove—where the chocolate making continues to this day, alongside the store.

1978


A second site in what is now known as East Street Arcade, Brighton was opened. This site was latterly closed in 2014.


1998


When the era of Mr. and Mrs. Pain as directors came to an end, David Burns and his wife Keeley took over the business. They led Audrey’s Chocolates into its next phase of growth, building on the legacy and craftsmanship established by the Pains.

2010


The continued growth of the Fortnum & Mason partnership led the business to expand its operations, adding warehousing space at the Hove Technology Centre.

2024 and beyond


William and Alice Crone acquired Audrey’s Chocolates, ushering in a new chapter for the business. In the months that followed, Audrey’s expanded its warehouse operations to handle all packing and fulfilment, and underwent a thoughtful rebrand of the business. With sustainability high on their agenda, William and Alice also made the pivotal decision to move to Valrhona chocolate, renowned for its quality and is 100% traceable from cocoa bean to chocolate.

Audrey’s is now a palm oil–free business and is proudly using only recyclable packaging across all products. Continuing the commitment to craft and community, the company has also introduced an apprentice scheme to nurture the next generation of chocolatiers. The product range has also expanded, offering customers exciting new creations while staying true to the brand’s artisanal heritage.

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