House of Anvers

Come and sample the delights of the award winning Anvers range of fine chocolates, an exquisite blend of Belgian skills courtesy of founder Igor Van Gerwen and pure rich Tasmanian ingredients.

Igor began making chocolates in his kitchen at his home in the town of Railton in 1989. In 1991 he was approached by a visiting Japanese businessman who asked to see how the truffles were made. After returning to Japan the businessman phoned to order 3,000kg of truffles! Igor apologised and declined the order as he did not not have the capacity to produce such a big order. But the persistent businessman offered a solution - he would pay for the order in advance so that better facilities could be set up. That's just part of the story that has lead Anver's Confectionery to where it is today.

Anvers Confectionery is now located in the former Wyndarra Lodge (now House of Anvers) on the Bass Highway between Devonport and Latrobe, just ten minutes drive from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Through viewing windows into two separate areas you can see products like truffles and fudge being made or chocolate being tempered. Chocolate is conched down to 10 microns, which is three times finer than most chocolate available giving it an incredible smoothness. Coupled with the cream, milk and butter from grass fed cows, located just down the road, the products made here are definitely worthy of your attention!

The tasting centre has chocolate, truffle and fudge samples to try and is bursting with products to take away with you. From an individual truffle to small and large boxes of truffles as well as larger hampers. There are also couverture chocolate buttons you can use to make you own creations.

Enjoy the items in their small museum of chocolate - no, not to eat! See the history of the cacao bean from the days of the Aztecs to now. Did you know in the 1700's chocolate was only known in a liquid form?

There is a cafe where you can stop for breakfast or lunch as well as morning or afternoon tea. The finest ingredients are not just sourced for chocolate products with fresh, local produce used to make simple, healthy meals. But if you want to indulge, delightful cakes and Belgian waffles with berry sauce and ice cream are available too.

The Garden Conservatory is a recent addition after being opened in October 2012. It provides additional interior seating for 100 people and can be used for dining as well as chocolate master classes, private functions and corporate events. So now you can enjoy four varieties of delicious hot chocolate inside the original 1930's bungalow with beautiful windows, outside at a table, or in the glass conservatory whilst enjoying what's outside.

There is plenty of parking and over a hectare of mature trees and plants to wander amongst. You are welcome to bring a picnic - oh, and they sell ice creams in the Tasting Centre.

Anvers is a great place to call in at any time of the day.

Opening hours are 7am to 6pm, 7 days a week.

Closed New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day

The House of Anvers is proud to be part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail