Chocolate brand Montezuma's is set to open a new store in Chester city centre.

Its new unit on Bridge Street was formerly home to local eatery and multi-use space, Arthouse, which closed its doors in May this year.

Launched by two former lawyers in 2000, Montezuma's was born following a trip to South America and their newfound appreciation for ethically sourced and quality chocolate.

Today it operates three main stores in the south of the UK - including Oxford, Winchester and Guildford - with its products also sold in thousands of independent shops nationwide.

The brand said: "We're proud to keep our factory free from palm oil, additives, and anything unnatural, so every bar you enjoy is packed with nothing but the good stuff.

"Our commitment to ethical sourcing means we only use ingredients that meet top-notch standards, certified by Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Soil Association, and Cocoa Horizons."

The unit's previous occupants had previously cited rising costs and difficult trading conditions as they announced their closure earlier this year.

During its three years on Bridge Street, Arthouse, a non-profit business, had created a diverse multi-use space, providing a café as well as an area for events and creative activities.

Weekday trading conditions and rising costs were listed as factors for its closure, as it said: "It has been a very difficult decision to make but necessary due to the current weekday trading conditions and the rising costs we face as a small independent non-profit business.

"We are devastated to have to lose what we've created over the last few years and so sad for our amazing team that have helped make the Arthouse what it is."