Chocodiles and more on offer as Top End choc shop Bumble Bean prep for Easter 2025
From ‘chocodiles’, barramundi, footballs, and even cricket bats, this Top End chocolatier knows how to create it all. Find out how you can get your own custom order.
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Leo Cleanthous, the head chocolatier of Top End shop Bumble Bean, says he has only ever practised his craft out of love.
“Making people happy is the greatest reward for me,” the Darwin born and bred business owner said.
“I get pleasure from it more than any sort of monetary gain.
“It started off as a hobby and then turned into a passion and what it is today.”
Since 2016, Mr Cleanthous has handcrafted Belgian Callebaut chocolate into all sorts of Territory shapes and sizes – including “chocodiles”, barramundi, footballs, cricket bats and just about anything else you can think of.
In addition, the shop also offers a range of individual truffles, gift boxes and hampers using mixes like honeycomb, caramel, hazelnut, toffee and licorice.
“We try to accommodate all sorts of things, so that’s been really popular,” Mr Cleanthous said.
But most recently, particularly this Easter season, Mr Cleanthous says sales have been “really positive” for his family-run business.
“The sales have been quite good, actually,” he said.
“We’ve received some good orders and people have been coming through frequently, so the shop has been busy.
“Our chocolate has a taste to be appreciated, it’s just that different from the kind in the supermarkets; we have people that keep coming back saying they can’t eat any other chocolate anymore.”
On top of selling and crafting chocolate, Bumble Bean also runs workshops for those keen on learning the craft.
“Look out for our Territory-themed workshops after Mother’s Day,” Mr Cleanthous said.
“We might start doing more workshops in the Dry season when things calm down; these things usually last about one to two hours.”
“It’s not that difficult to learn and everything takes time, but it’s worth it.
“We’ve got a lot to offer, so come in and have a crack.”
Mr Cleanthous encouraged all Territorians to support local businesses, especially during the Easter holiday period.
“Investing locally helps us all out and can grow the community,” he said.
“People don’t realise how much you can do here in Darwin until you get out there; especially with the festivals coming up.
“Darwin’s the sort of place where, if you believe, you can do anything you want.
“I think it’s going to be a good year and we should stay positive.”
For more details, click here: https://www.bumblebeanchocolates.com.au
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Originally published as Chocodiles and more on offer as Top End choc shop Bumble Bean prep for Easter 2025
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