Meet the Maker: Gilbert & Swayne, Glastonbury

Inside Gilbert & Swayne: Artisan Chocolate Making in Baltonsborough, Somerset

In the quiet village of Baltonsborough, you’ll find Gilbert & Swayne a small Somerset chocolate studio where Jane Swayne creates elegant handmade chocolates with remarkable care. Her workspace is warm, calm and full of the soft rhythms of real craft: trays of freshly made treats, bowls of perfectly tempered chocolate, and flavours being balanced with an expert eye.

Even a short visit reveals the heart of Jane’s approach. She works in small batches, using beautiful ingredients: fresh cream, fresh herbs and spices, Fairtrade and single-origin organic chocolate, and a thoughtful vegan range made with organic coconut oil. Everything is made by hand, no shortcuts, no mass production, just skill, patience and a love for flavour.

A Small Studio with a Big Heart

Studios like Jane’s are the heartbeat of Somerset’s maker landscape: independent, craft-led and powered by passion. Gilbert & Swayne isn’t just a place to buy chocolate, it’s a place to appreciate the beauty of slow, thoughtful making.

If you’re in Baltonsborough, or looking for a handmade gift with real substance, Gilbert & Swayne is absolutely worth seeking out, but call in advance as this isnt an open to the public studio.

Gilbert & Swayne’s Commitment to Community & Charity

What quietly impressed me most is Jane’s commitment to giving back. Gilbert & Swayne regularly supports local and national charities, donating chocolates for fundraising events and community causes. It’s done without fuss or fanfare, just a genuine desire to use her craft to help others. In a world where small businesses are stretched, her generosity feels meaningful, grounded and very “Somerset” in spirit.