Former military chef serves up sweet treats

A former military chef has swapped cooking for the troops for sweet treats in Lerwick – opening up his own specialist chocolate shop.

Dave Williams launched Mirrie Dancers Chocolatier on Commercial Street yesterday.

With eye-catching creations, including ‘raspberry dancers’, salted caramel chocolates and tempting truffles, Dave said the first two days had been busy, and plenty of locals on day one.

After 26 years as a chef in the army he decided to make chocolates – being creative and having the chance to be his own boss.

Dave has already had his products for sale on the north boat and in Scoop, and is keen to work with other food and drinks producers in the isles, as well as restaurants and hotels.

The initial idea was sparked by him making a seaweed infused chocolate at the food festival last year.

And it’s been driven by his chance to have more freedom in the kitchen, including cooking for the Queen Mother.

“Throughout my career we’ve had opportunities to work on functions, feeding royalty and big banquets, and that’s when your own personal feel can come into it. I’ve always enjoyed those situations,” he said.

More in Friday’s Shetland Times.