Chocolate heaven in Kingston

Shoppers enjoyed an evening of irresistible treats at last Thursday's Markets Discovery Evening in Kingston Town Centre.

 

Kingstonfirst teamed up with some of the finest local chocolate makers, visiting markets and Town Centre retailers to provide a unique evening of shopping and entertainment.

 

While heavy rain and strong winds led to the early closure of the Traditional Christmas Market, it did not deter hundreds of chocolate lovers who flocked to the ground floor of the Market House where Hotel Chocolat, Lindt and Montezuma's among others had set up stalls.

 

Visitors could indulge in some of the best chocolate money can buy with free tasting samples as well as cream cakes provided by Patisserie Valerie.

 

At the Eden Craft and Gift Fair, located on the lawn outside All Saints Church, shoppers were spoilt for choice with 75 exhibitors selling a range of bespoke gifts – not forgetting tasty treats including olives, cheese and fresh roasted coffee.

 

Stores throughout the Town Centre added to the party atmosphere, hosting demonstrations and events of their own throughout the night.

 

Plus there was wandering entertainment throughout Kingston with ice queens on stilts, live music from choirs, Borough Brass Band and local singer Mariska Barnett as well as performances at the Rose Theatre's Snow Queen story houses.

 

Those who braved the weather were also able to take advantage of late-night opening to do some Christmas shopping, with stores around the Market Place, plus John Lewis, Bentalls and The Bentall Centre all staying open until 9pm.  The major stores will be open until 9pm every weekday evening throughout December.

 

And, as an extra incentive, guides from Girlguiding Kingston and New Malden were wrapping Christmas presents in the Market House in exchange for a donation for their chosen charities.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Kingstonfirst, said: "Despite the weather hundreds of people came to Kingston last night to enjoy the entertainment and festivities."

 

"Chocolate is a real family favourite at Christmas and shoppers flocked to the Market House to sample some of the finest chocolate brands as well as visiting the craft market and stores to find those all-important gifts."

 

"With more than 500 retailers, two visiting festive markets, our Park and Ride service plus late-night shopping, there couldn't be a better incentive to do your Christmas shopping in Kingston."

 

Free parking is available after 5pm in The Bentall Centre's A & B car parks and after 6pm in the John Lewis and Seven Kings car parks. Alternatively, take advantage of the Park and Ride service from the South car park at Chessington World of Adventures. Parking is free and the bus fare is just £2.20 return, with the last bus back leaving Kingston Town Centre at 9pm.

 

For more details on this year's festive offering in Kingston visit www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/christmas or call 020 8547 1221.