Choc Star hits the road

Friend of the Museum, the very chocolatey Petra Barran, is off on a 'secret supper' tour of Britain in her trusty Choc Star Van, Jimmy!

Two and a half years ago, Petra Barran, 32, bought an ice-cream van on e-Bay and converted it into Britain's first mobile chocolate bar. She enlisted decorative help from international graffiti artist, Insa and bought Venezuelan supplies from Willie of Channel 4's Wonky Chocolate Factory fame. Now Petra and her faithful steed, Jimmy are hitting the lanes of Britain in search of adventure, suppers, stories and pitches - exploring the nation through a chocolate-tinted prism.

The plan is to encourage people to invite Petra into their homes for supper, barbecues, dinner parties or soirees and in return she'll provide a delicious chocolate dessert...and then write about all the interesting people she encounters on her adventure and all the food she eats. It's a study of Britain and how hospitable it is and which area is the most susceptible to the lure of chocolate.

She will be looking for places to trade along the way as well - festivals, fetes, markets, industrial estates - anywhere really. The tour begins on 10 April, so belt up and get ready for a delicious adventure.

To get in touch with Petra, to suggest somwhere she can share her delectable wares or to follow her progress via her blog and interactive map. follow the link here on the right.