Saturday Kitchen star shuts down business after 17 years as he thanks ‘loyal customers’

SATURDAY Kitchen star Paul A Young has revealed his chocolate shop is closing after a "wonderful" 17 years.

The award winning pastry chef and chocolatier opened his first shop in Islington, London, in 2006.

Writing on Instagram, the TV star said it had been a "crazy journey" since, and he and his business partners had "achieved so much".

Saturday Kitchen star Paul shared a photo of the pretty shop, and penned: "We have had the most exciting and fascinating time over the past 17 years creating our chocolates on site by hand using artisan methods.

"We chose to work by hand and used natural ingredients to celebrate the wonderful cocoa bean and the chocolate created by our fantastic producers.

"We have to thank every one of our customers, clients and suppliers as your support and love of our products kept us innovating, creating and excited about making the very best chocolates we possibly could.
Your support has been incredible. We are very grateful."

Some of his customers reached out beneath his post, and one said: "I'm heartbroken for you and everyone.

"I wish all the best for the future. I did your online chocolate course and I've got your latest book. I'm just so sad for you all."

Another said: "The end of an era indeed. Deeply sad news. But we know you’ll soar in whatever you do next. All our love to you. Me and P xx."

And a third wrote: "Paul, sending you so much love. Thank you for all the deliciousness."

After studying hotel catering and management, Paul, from Barnsley moved on to work with Marco Pierre White as head pastry chef at Quo Vadis and Criterion.