THE 'greatest chocolate shop' in the Scottish Borders is set to reopen its doors at 9am today (Thursday, May 31) after a major five-week refurbishment.

The reopening of Cocoa Black in Peebles will be a culmination of a range of work over the past year by owner Ruth Hinks, who has worked with a top international designer on a new layout for her chocolate boutique.

The layout now offers customers a dedicated chocolate retail space, a state-of-the-art counter for the display of Cocoa Black patisserie, and a relaxed café ambience.

^Video credit: Cocoa Black Facebook page

To coincide with the reopening, the shop will also be launching a new chocolate and patisserie range, new branding and a wider selection of take-away products. 

Since first opening its doors in 2010, Cocoa Black was swiftly named UK Confectioner of the Year in 2011. 

The original Cocoa Black shop was extended in 2012 and in recent years has witnessed many celebrity drop-ins including HRH Prince Edward, and world champion cyclist Mark Cavendish. 

Now renovation works are complete, it is expected that the new Cocoa Black boutique will significantly increase tourist numbers to Peebles and will help secure up to 20 local jobs and the future of a much-loved local building. 

For more information, visit: www.cocoablack.com