Winter in damp, squishy England can be a miserable time, what with ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’, continual drizzle and the realisation that blue is the best way to describe your skin tone. But fear not, for those who are willing to pull on their boots and wrap up warm, there IS a reason to brave the cold outdoors. And that, my friends, is chocolate.

If you call yourself a chocoholic, you will already be smiling knowingly as you read this, but for those who hold the ‘a moment on the lips and lifetime on the hips’ mantra dear, look away now. For tucked away in the heart of leafy Clifton Village is the most indulgent place known to man. This is where chocolate orgasms happen.

At Bar Chocolat, rather than an espresso, you can have a shot of chocolate. And if you are feeling particularly flush you can indulge in a plate of truffles and bottle of champagne while you stare out of the frosty windows at workers scurrying about as you write out your Christmas list, snug and content.

Whether you are relaxing over a mug of steaming, white hot chocolate topped with whipped cream while sucking the middles out of exquisite hand-made chocolates or tucking into the famous lemon cheesecake over a glass of chilled Chablis, Bar Chocolate is not for the queasy of stomach or counter of calories. Come to the dark side, and let your sweet tooth get its fix - let’s face it; summer is a long way off.

www.bar-chocolat.com

Verity Gough
Photos: Elena Goodrum