Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates to celebrate milestone anniversary

Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates, which is based in Wendover, officially opened its doors on February 14, 2004, after owner Nigel Rumsey, a patisserie chef with over 30 years of experience started making his chocolates from his home kitchen in Aylesbury.

He was inspired by the film Chocolat and supported by his wife Mary, the duo decided to create their chocolaterie.

Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates (Image: Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates)

Mary said: “We started searching many different locations around Buckinghamshire and ‘The Old Bank’ site in Wendover already had a buyer when I first saw it, but luckily for us that sale fell through and so we made an offer.

“Less than two months later we opened, and Wendover welcomed us with open arms.”

When Nigel & Mary retired several years ago, Rumsey’s had a party to celebrate and invited as many previous employees as they could track down.

Kate Rumsey eating chocolate (Image: Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates)

Everyone shared stories of their time at Rumsey’s and the common theme was feeling part of the family and the pride in the chocolates we created.

The business remains in the family and is now run by the next generation of Rumsey’s.

Their daughter, Kate Rumsey, who now runs the shop added: “This Valentine’s Day we are celebrating.

The Rumsey family making chocolate (Image: Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates)

“It’s pretty tough out there for small businesses right now so we need to stay positive and enjoy these moments and how far we’ve come.”

Rumsey’s Wendover will have a ‘birthday specials’ on their anniversary.