A chance conversation on Knowle High Street led to the creation of one of the village's most recognisable independent businesses.

11 years ago, Joe Vaughan had no idea a passing comment from his mum would eventually lead him to open the doors of 1683 Chocolate Place.

The chocolatier, who is now director of the Knowle-based shop, was deciding what direction to take after leaving school when he discovered a passion for creating chocolate through pastry work.

"I've always had a passion for food," Joe said.

The idea for the shop came during a walk along Knowle High Street with his mum, who asked him a simple question: if he could have any shop on the street, which one would it be?

The pair chose the unit that would eventually become 1683 Chocolate Place, despite it being occupied by an estate agent at the time.

"She said, 'estate agents never move,'" Joe recalled.

"Six weeks later, it came up for rent."

Since opening, the shop has grown from a small High Street chocolatier into a brand reaching customers across the country, with online sales now making up around half of its turnover.

Joe said the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the move online, helping the company reach a wider audience while still keeping its handmade approach at the heart of production.

The chocolates have since been shipped across the UK, reaching customers from Cornwall all the way to the Outer Hebrides.

Every chocolate is still made by hand in the shop's kitchen, with Joe involved in the process from start to finish.

"What I love about ours is no two chocolates will ever look the same," he said.

"It's me that makes it. I do everything from start to finish."

The team produces around 8,000 chocolates every week, with developing new flavours remaining one of Joe's favourite parts of the job.

Among the shop's more unusual creations is 'Surprise Me', a chocolate where customers know the allergens but not the ingredients, with each batch offering a different flavour experience.

The chocolatier has also attracted attention beyond Knowle, creating chocolates for former England rugby player Joe Marler to take to the national squad during a Rugby World Cup campaign.

But for Joe, the support of local customers has been just as significant as any high-profile recognition.

"We have a lot of support from local people," he said.

"We have one couple who come in every single week without fail, and they've been doing that since we opened."

Looking ahead, Joe hopes to continue expanding online and through corporate orders, while keeping open the possibility of opening another shop in the future.

"I don't think there's an experience like coming into a shop and buying there," he said.

For those visiting 1683 Chocolate Place for the first time, Joe describes the shop as colourful and light-hearted, with 36 different flavours available.

While the presentation might draw customers through the door, Joe believes it is the taste that keeps them coming back.

"Presentation is what makes people buy the chocolates," he said. "The flavour is what makes people return."