An artisan chocolatier remains tight-lipped about its plans to open a shop in Banbury - despite two signs going up.

A large sign has appeared in the car park and another on the main road at Stroud Park in Ermont Way in the town.

The building, which has been vacant for a while, is the former Frankie & Benny's restaurant.

Meanwhile Hotel Chocolat has advertised positions as sales advisors, which suggest it will open before Christmas.

Oxford Mail: Site of the new Hotel Chocolat at Stroud Parkin Banbury

The advertisement, which has now expired, reads: “As we continue our mission to make people happy through chocolate, we’re opening brand new stores this year and we’re coming to Banbury in December!”

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However, a spokesperson for Hotel Chocolat insisted they weren’t able to give any further information.

He said: "We’ll be able to share more details around the store closer to when it opens."

Last March Hotel Chocolat revealed that it is set to open more cafes after its hot chocolate proved a winner.

Around 50 Hotel Chocolat stores already have cafes.

Chief executive Angus Thirlwell said sales of the company's Velvetiser were also strong.

The much-mimicked hot chocolate making machine heats up the milk and melts the chocolate at the same time as whisking it all together.

Mr Thirlwell said he wanted to find new ways to ensure customers can test and buy hot chocolate with cafes and more floor space at sites.

He said: “We used to mostly be about gifting… that’s our cornerstone, but alongside that we have our home barista model and now have the ability to make bigger spaces work.”