Local chocolatier and cake company Xocolatl is the latest artisan trader to open at Stroud's new Five Valleys Market this month.

The family run business has been making and selling cakes and chocolates wholesale for the last five years.

Now the Painswick couple behind Xocolatl, Aaron and Clare Grant along with their son Daniel have opened their brand-new retail venture at Five Valleys.

They have sourced farm direct coffee from Ethical Addictions based in Gloucester and as well as barista coffees you can expect a proper hot chocolate made with couverture chocolate, speciality teas, frappes and milkshakes along with a breakfast and light lunch menu - and homemade gelato ice cream will also feature on the menu.

The family have spent the last few weeks fitting out and preparing their kitchen and shop area and are delighted to be unveiling their new venture to the public.

Aaron Grant said: "It has been a real labour of love; we have all worked together on getting the shop ready for our customers and we are really pleased with how it looks. We had been looking for the right opportunity for a store and this is just perfect for us.

"We're excited to be sharing some of our new recipes and flavours with our customers here at Five Valleys."

Xocolatl can be found next to The Artisan Baker which opened in September at Five Valleys, Waghornes Butchers has also joined the line-up and Armadeli delicatessen will open later in the month.

Food to go traders at the market include Falafel Mama, Pieminister, Thai 2 Go and Non-Solo Italia.

Louise Emery, market and tenant liaison executive at Five Valleys, said: "We are delighted to welcome Xocolatl to the market with their delicious products. It's been a busy few week for us, and we are looking forward to welcoming more new local businesses throughout October and November."