Sarah Barker

The countdown is on for chocolate lovers this week with the opening of Lincoln’s first Hotel Chocolat store.

Hotel Chocolat, which first launched in London in 2004, will open in the former Ernest Jones shop next to H Samuel on High Street on Friday, May 18.

This will be the first shop for the brand in Lincolnshire.

Hotel Chocolat currently has 93 shops as well as a number of cafés and restaurants around the world.

Some 10 new jobs will also be created in the area.

A version of this story was first published in CityX, covering business and lifestyle across the region.

A new luxury day centre for your beloved pooch has opened in South Hykeham.

The Dog Members’ Club on Roman Way gives dogs the chance to socialise, play and get truly spoilt while you are at work or away.

The day crèche includes a 1500 sq ft playroom and secure outdoor yard and all pets go through enrolment to ensure they socialize well with other dogs.

Owner Helen Grimsey invested £10,000 into the business so far. She said: “Dogs come and love it here, they develop their social skills and make ‘dog friends’.

“We also have a fitbark here now that dogs can book to wear on their collars so we can give feedback on how much exercise they get.”

Membership fees range from bronze at £25 to gold at £295 for the year and the hourly rate ranges from £1.80-£2.50 depending on the level of membership.

This story was first published in issue 11 of CityX magazine.