Q&A with Cocoa Corner Café: “Little bites of happiness in Pool Valley”

Daniel Bittencourt and Shirley Kronholm of Cocoa Corner Café in Pool Valley, Brighton

The recently opened Cocoa Corner Café is bringing a very welcome splash of colour, warm welcome and unique sweet treats to Brighton’s Pool Valley, writes Nick Mosley. He catches up with co-owners Shirley Kronholm and Daniel Bittencourt to find out more.

Tell us a bit about yourselves…

Daniel: I’m originally from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais in Brazil, where I graduated in Technological Gastronomy from Faculdade Estácio de Sá in 2007. My journey in pâtisserie and chocolate deepened in Scotland, where I trained with Master Chocolatier Ruth Hinks (UK World Chocolatier, Australian Pastry Chef of the Year 2004, and Founder of Cocoa Black). Under her mentorship and alongside other great chocolatiers, I honed my craft and confirmed that chocolate was my true calling.

Since moving to Brighton in 2010, I’ve combined my international experiences with entrepreneurial spirit, opening our café and chocolate shop as a space to share my creativity and passion for chocolate. My signature approach merges the comforting flavours of Britain with the unique taste of Brazilian Brigadeiro Gourmet, offering customers something truly distinctive.

Shirley: I was born and raised in South Africa and always had a deep passion for food. I hold a diploma in catering management and began working in the hospitality industry at a young age. Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience across all areas of catering; from front-of-house and kitchen operations to management. My career has taken me through a diverse range of settings, including restaurants, hotels, corporate catering, cafés and large-scale events.

Brigadeiros at Cocoa Corner Café in Pool Valley, Brighton

Despite my gastronomic globe-trotting, I’ve never heard of brigadeiros but you’ve rapidly converted me. What’s the story behind them?

Daniel: Brigadeiros are one of the most beloved sweets in Brazil – a chocolate treat that’s deeply tied to celebrations, family and joy.

Crafted from a base of condensed milk, cream and the finest quality pure chocolate, we serve up an irresistible variety of flavours made with carefully selected ingredients.

What makes them so delicious is their texture – smooth, rich and melt-in-your-mouth – paired with that comforting chocolate flavour. Over time, I’ve reimagined the Brigadeiro in a more gourmet way, using high-quality chocolate, creative flavours and artisanal techniques. It’s a way of honouring my Brazilian heritage while also bringing something fresh and unique to Brighton.

Each is produced by hand with care, attention and love – ensuring that every bite makes for a memorable moment. Brigadeiros aren’t just sweets – they’re little bites of happiness that tell a story of tradition, creativity and passion.

Cocoa Corner Café in Pool Valley, Brighton

Pool Valley has always had its occasional blips as a location but the Royal Albion fire and Valley Gardens redevelopment must be particularly challenging right now. As a new business, how are you dealing with that?

Shirley: Yes, Pool Valley has definitely had its ups and downs, but for us it felt like the right place to grow Cocoa Corner Café. We loved that it’s such a central spot, with a cluster of other independent food businesses around — there’s a real sense of creativity and entrepreneurship here.

Originally, we chose Pool Valley because of the footfall created by the National Express coaches, which brought so many people through the area. Unfortunately, since the hotel fire and the removal of the buses, that flow has changed, and it’s been a real challenge for businesses here.

That’s why we – along with our neighbouring independents – are working to encourage the council to bring the coaches back to Pool Valley and help support local trade.

The area has a lot of future potential. With the next stage of the Valley Gardens regeneration scheme in progress, we’re hopeful it will drive more footfall and interest in the area. Being part of that journey, contributing to the local food scene and helping shape a welcoming space here very much feels like an exciting opportunity.

We’re also starting to see a really loyal following, which is incredibly rewarding. Loyalty is the greatest compliment – it shows that people connect with our story and the pride we take in our food and venue.

What else do you offer at the café?

Shirley: Alongside our handmade chocolates and sweets, we offer a relaxed space with friendly, un-rushed service.

On the savoury side, our menu includes sandwiches and toasties – our bread its from a local bakery – savoury croissants and homemade cheese scones. We also serve authentic Brazilian snacks such as chicken croquettes (coxinha), four-cheese balls (bolinha de quatro queijos) and mini sausage rolls (enrolado de salsicha).

Very soon, our food will also be available on Deliveroo, and through our website we’ll be offering delivery of our handmade bonbons, so our chocolates can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.

Whether you’re popping in for a quick pick-me-up or settling in for an afternoon pause, we aim to make every visit warm, welcoming and memorable.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Daniel: We are involved in a number of Brighton events in the coming few months including October Unpacked, Brighton Italian Festival and BITE Sussex’s ‘Cocktails & Canapés Under the Sea’ event as part of Brighton Cocktail Week. To keep up to date – and for special offers – please follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Cocoa Corner Café, 11-12 Pool Valley, Brighton, BN1 1NJ

www.cocoacornercafe.co.uk