'We're coming home' - Anticipation builds for Montezuma’s return to Chichester
Montezuma’s is getting closer to returning to Chichester city centre, with signage announcing its homecoming now in place at its new South Street shop.
The West Sussex chocolate maker is preparing to welcome customers at 24 South Street, having previously operated a store on East Street.
A sign at the new premises reads: “Chichester we're coming home. Opening early October 2026.”
The shop had yet to open when photographed on October 15, with customers awaiting confirmation of when they can step inside.
The planned return follows the closure of Montezuma’s Birdham pop-up shop, with the company previously confirming its intention to open a new Chichester store this year.
Ahead of the opening, Montezuma’s submitted an application to Chichester District Council, for two non-illuminated fascia signs, and one non-illuminated projecting sign.
Planning documents described proposals to update the shopfront with the brand’s colours and logos, including a teal fascia with black lettering.
The company has also been promoting its forthcoming Chichester shop online, inviting customers to sign up for updates and details of an opening offer.
Founded by Helen and Simon Pattinson, Montezuma’s opened its first shop on Duke Street in Brighton in 2000 after the pair left their careers as lawyers to pursue chocolate making.
More than two decades later, the business continues to produce chocolate at its factory in Birdham, near Chichester. It says its products are stocked in thousands of independent shops nationwide, as well as larger retailers.
The company describes ethical sourcing as central to its approach and says its factory is free from palm oil and additives.
Montezuma’s previously closed several stores in 2023, including its original Brighton branch and locations in Southampton and Norwich, citing the impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.