The Angel’s love affair with chocolate…

How it all began…

As far as Head Chef Elly Wentworth is concerned a huge part of your dining experience at the Angel is always about leaving a lasting impression, and nothing is more important to her than sourcing Devon food & drink to compliment your luxury fine dining.

The Angel team consider themselves blessed in the West Country to have some amazing producers and suppliers, and they all play their part in The Angel’s offer to customers.  When Elly was looking for a luxury, artisan and local chocolatier, she didn’t need to look further than Dartmouth, after noticing the quite breath-taking beauty of Umber & Ecru chocolates on Instagram!  And so began the ‘Elly Umber & Ecru Chocolate’ range…the wonders of social media!

Umber & Ecru is owned and run by Heather James and her husband Neil.  They moved to the area 7 years ago and are based on the shores of the beautiful river Dart. Overlooking Dartmouth and out to sea, Heather’s U&E kitchen studio is the perfect place to create mouth-watering treats. The setting is truly inspirational and the weather and changing season and scenery influence the style & design of her creations. Indeed, even the logo for the company is inspired by the view seen every day of Kingswear, just across the water from Dartmouth. All of the chocolates are made and painted by hand by Heather, so each and every one is unique and truly exclusive.  Something that was very important to Elly when sourcing a supplier for the Angel.

Dartmouth made!

Exceptional quality is at the very heart of Heather’s craftmanship.  She only sources the finest, freshest ingredients, organic and from Devon wherever possible, to produce truly exceptional chocolates and fudge. She does not use tempering machines, nor does she ever add artificial flavours and she refuses to take shortcuts.  The chocolates take three days to create!

Said Heather “I was so excited when Elly reached out, and delighted that my chocolates are served exclusively in the Angel.  My surroundings and local ingredients constantly inspire me and even Elly’s beautiful leaf plates used in the Angel conjure up design thoughts!  One of my favourite pastimes is eating out, particularly fine dining, so it seemed like the perfect partnership.  I make no apologies for being passionate about my business, from creating the perfect petit four to not using any plastic at all in the packaging.  In fact, my husband designed a paper holder to use in our chocolate boxes, which ensures each treasure is looking it’s best, without compromising our environment in any way.”

Every day at Umber and Ecru starts with coffee. Slowly brewed in a Moka pot on the gas hob. It’s like a ritual; grinding the beans, tamping down the coffee, turning up the heat and waiting for the rich umber liquid to slowly percolate through. Bliss! And this first pot will be one of several throughout the day to keep Heather going.  To her less is more; she always advocates quality over quantity. Whether it’s the finest wine, a spectacular cheese, slowly brewed coffee, or outstanding chocolate, taking the time to savour and enjoy each mouthful is key. When asked whether she has a favourite U&E flavour, Heather doesn’t hesitate.  “Whilst I love all of our flavours & each recipe has been carefully crafted, one will always have a special place in my heart – espresso fudge!”  Naturally…

Dine with us!

If you are dining at the Angel, be sure to enjoy their exclusive Umber & Ecru petit fours, and bear in mind you can pre-order beautifully presented boxes to celebrate a special dinner, or just to take home with you when you book with us.  They are utterly exquisite!

More details about this innovative company can be found on Umber & Ecru’s website here.