I first discovered Hotel chocolate 5 years ago and it still fills me with excitement whenever I visit.
There are not an abundance of their retail outlets around and our nearest is 60 miles away. You can shop online but it does not compare to browsing the shop, breathing in the rich aroma and if your lucky, tasting bits from the tray offered on entry.

It is a beautifully designed environment and this follow through to the packaging which is simple to emphasize the extravagant chocolate. Hotel chocolate works as a complete experience from taste, appearance and environment. It reminds me a lot of the mac make up brand.

It is a lot more expensive than your regular bar or box of chocolates but it is also quite unique with flavours like Balsamic caramel, black pepper and strawberry, chilli and and orange to name a few.

The reason they appeal to me particularly is because they have an extensive vegan range. This unfortunately seem to be diminishing with each year for some reason which is very disappointing. It is still the only place that myself and my husband will consider buying an easter egg from each year even if it does come to £40 for 2!