The business had promoted its CastleCourt outlet as a “paradise for chocolate lovers”
A chocolate shop, which went viral for its luxury Dubai-inspired desserts, has closed its Belfast store less than a year after opening.
Shoppers visiting CastleCourt Shopping Centre this week were met with the shutters down at Taste of Belgium.
The closure comes exactly two years after the company opened its Belfast premises in July 2024, following the closure of its original Newry café in June of that year.
Taste of Belgium built up a loyal following on social media thanks to its extravagant desserts, including its £12 Dubai chocolate strawberries and £8 Dubai hot chocolate, as well as handmade Belgian chocolates and speciality coffees.
The business had promoted its CastleCourt outlet as a “paradise for chocolate lovers”, serving handcrafted Belgian chocolates alongside drinks, desserts and gift boxes.
The move to Belfast came after the owners shut their Newry premises, telling customers at the time they were relocating to a larger site in CastleCourt Shopping Centre.
However, customers arriving at the city centre shopping centre this week found the unit closed.
A spokesperson for CastleCourt Shopping Centre confirmed to Belfast Live that Taste of Belgium has permanently ceased trading at the shopping centre. No reason has been given for the closure.
The business had become one of several local retailers to capitalise on the viral Dubai chocolate trend, with its pistachio-filled chocolate strawberries and rich hot chocolates attracting queues and widespread attention online.
Its website continues to advertise Belgian chocolates and click-and-collect in Belfast, although it is unclear whether this will continue following the closure of the CastleCourt store
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