We visit a chocolate shop, ice cream parlour and delicatessen in the heart of Stafford

The business, which is owned by Vic Williams, is located in The Colonnade in the heart of Stafford.

Little Bean originally opened in August 2025 selling chocolates, ice cream and gifts before closing in December while Vic recovered from illness.

She reopened the doors on June 13 and now the shop also offers a delicatessen alongside its popular sweet treats and gift items such as jewellery.

“I just wanted to bring something unique to Stafford for people to enjoy,” says Vic.

All of the chocolate is made by the 49-year-old who has worked in the industry for more than 25 years.

Vic started her career at the Stafford branch of Thorntons before moving on to Oxford Street and Regent Street in London.

She later worked in research development for the likes of Nestle and Cadbury before setting up on her own around 11 years ago.

“My main passion is chocolate because I love bringing joy to people,” says Vic.

“I don’t have a sweet tooth myself, I just love to create unique things for people.

"Working for myself means I can choose what I make and when so if someone walks in and asks ‘can you make such and such?’, I can say ‘yes’.

“Cocoa bean prices are coming down and I am able to pass that onto my customers much sooner than the bigger companies are able to,” she adds.

Vic, who uses high quality ingredients and chocolate with no less than 34% cocoa solids, makes the products in the kitchen at Little Bean, which means there is always a fresh supply for customers.

The range includes truffles, bars and novelty items such as lollipops and her very popular candyfloss ghosts.

“The most popular chocolate bar is the dark chocolate sour cherry,” says Vic.

Other flavours include ginger and orange, raspberry and rum and raisin.

People will also find shortbread and biscuits from The Sawley Kitchen while the delicatessen is stocked with a wide range of meats and cheeses as well as items such as bread, crackers, pickles and olives.

“I felt Stafford was missing a delicatessen,” says Vic. “We try to showcase local produce.

“Our sausage rolls, pork pies and quiches come from Griffins in Stone, we’ve got cheese from the Staffordshire Cheese Company and Staffordshire Oatcake Company mixes,” explains Vic.

The ice cream parlour, which has seating and games, including vertical chess, sells Snugburys Ice Cream made in Nantwich, Cheshire. Flavours include vanilla, cookie dough, banana caramel, cherry gateau, real strawberry and raspberry pavlova.

There is also a cold drinks fridge featuring brands such as Noffee.

Younger visitors to Little Bean can follow a treasure map and once they’ve located all of the little creatures hidden around the shop, they will win a prize.

Vic’s plans for the summer include a pop-up collaboration with a local street food business and evening openings. She has been delighted by the positive response from customers since the shop reopened and has enjoyed welcoming both familiar and new faces.

“I love talking to people, I’ve really missed that. I’m so proud of the shop and I’m proud of myself. Seeing people again has been so lovely," says Vic.

“I have a wonderful team of young starters who have really shined since opening day.

“I’m proud of them and I’m sure their parents are proud of them too.

“It’s really nice to give them an opportunity. It’s their first step into work and I want it to be a good experience for them,” she adds.

Vic is keen to encourage people to shop local and support the independent businesses on their doorstep.

“It’s so important to shop with small businesses, it creates such a sense of community, and these are people who care deeply about what they are doing,” she says.

“I think Stafford gets such a bad rap because people say there is nothing here but if you explore the town and the side streets, you will find there are some lovely independents.

“It’s also an opportunity to buy something unique that you will not find anywhere else,” says Vic.

For more information, visit www.littlebeanthings.com or follow www.facebook.com/p/Little-Bean-61577961323521/