A chocolatier who has a shop on the outskirts of Norwich is raising the bar with a new outdoor area and garden parties. 

Marcela Da Costa, 40, launched Emporium Norwich during maternity leave with her daughter Manuela in 2019.

Mrs Da Costa, who is originally from Brazil, turned her hobby into a business and began shipping products UK-wide through her website and doing farmers' markets.

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Eastern Daily Press: Marcela Da Costa opened Emporium Norwich at Hellesdon Barns in February 2023 Picture: Denise Bradley Marcela Da Costa opened Emporium Norwich at Hellesdon Barns in February 2023 Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Her specialty is Brigadeiro, a traditional Brazilian truffle, and after outgrowing her kitchen, she jumped at the chance to open a shop at Hellesdon Barns in February 2023.

The shop has proved a big success and, alongside her chocolates, she also offers a range of sweet treats from other local businesses, including Brazilian-style cakes from her mum Marlene Romagnoli's brand Romascakess.

Mrs Da Costa said: "It has been a dream come true and I love having conversations with my customers and spreading the word about Brigadeiro - regulars say it is like a French coffee shop."  

Eastern Daily Press: Marcela Da Costa in the garden oasis at Hellesdon Barns in Norwich Picture: Denise Bradley Marcela Da Costa in the garden oasis at Hellesdon Barns in Norwich Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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Now the summer has arrived, she has opened an outdoor seating area complete with parasols and plants, which groups of five to ten can also pre-book after-hours for a Garden Party.

This will be from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays, 3pm to 5pm on Saturdays and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays and it costs £25 to £35pp with all food and drink included. 

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There will be a range of canapes and savoury treats followed by desserts, including her Great Taste Award-winning Brigadeiro.

Eastern Daily Press: Sweet treats available on the Garden Party Menu at Emporium Norwich Picture: Denise BradleySweet treats available on the Garden Party Menu at Emporium Norwich Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

She added: "I held a launch event this week and my guests loved it and they thought the experience and surroundings were lovely." 

The normal shop opening hours are 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm on Saturday and 11.30am to 2pm on Sunday. 

Call 07543 230155 or message on Instagram @emporium.norwich to book a Garden Party.