A beloved chocolate shop in The Lanes is closing down.

Montezuma’s opened its first store in 2000 in Dukes Street, Brighton, and has expanded nationally to become a well-loved business.

After 23 years and countless chocolate bars sold, the store is now shutting alongside two other sites. The company said the effect of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis are to blame.

A sign in the store’s window read: “We are sorry to say that our Brighton store will be closing after 23 years.

“Our last day will be Monday, July 3. Please visit us in store to say goodbye, we will miss each and every one of you.”

Co-founders Helen and Simon Pattinson opened the Duke Street store after leaving their jobs as lawyers.

MOST READ:

The couple first came up with the idea of opening the shops after exploring South America in 1999.

Montezuma’s is also closing its sites in Southampton and Norwich.

The business now has a shop in Chichester alongside its headquarters and will also be keeping stores in Winchester, Guildford and Oxford open.

The Argus: The sign in the window of the Montezuma's storeThe sign in the window of the Montezuma's store (Image: The Argus)

A Montezuma’s spokeswoman said: “We are sorry to confirm that we have taken the decision to shut three of our high street stores in Brighton, Norwich and Southampton. Our stores have suffered significantly since re-opening after Covid and as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Retail has always been at the heart of the business and it's really sad to close a store, so this decision has not been taken lightly, nor has it been an easy one to make. In particular, our Brighton store was where the Montezuma’s journey began 23 years ago and we will miss all of our loyal customers.

“The stores in Chichester, Winchester, Oxford and Guildford will remain open and we are passionate about the high street being part of Montezuma’s future.”

The business also sells a number of chocolate bars and truffles for home delivery on its website.