When someone in the High Tide office suggested a review of hand-made chocolates to touch our readers’ romantic Valentine-ish hearts (really?), suspicions were raised.

Was the ulterior motive a little too obvious? Would sitting around stuffing our faces with choccie be proper work? How do you spell choccy? But hey, who’s counting, and anyway it beats sniffing roses flown halfway round the world in refrigerated planes.

So . . . we checked out some of the most famous chocolate makers around.

Bonnets, 38-40 Huntriss Row, Scarborough, tel 361033
Appearance
Heart shapes in red and gold foil. Have got a massive choc heart with treats inside for those really going to town.
He said: Romantic but clichéd
She said: Quite glam. Might be corny but that’s what we want.
Taste
He said: OK but not remarkable
She said: Mmmm, luxurious and naughty. Strong mocha flavour.

Café Thorntons, 115-117 Westborough, Scarborough, tel 341073
Appearance
Chunky hearts wrapped in gold foil, plus big round truffles
He said: Chocolate’s a bit pale.
She said: Hearts are a bit clumpy. Truffles look indulgent.
Taste
She said: Nice coffee flavour. The chocolate pleasingly sticks to your fingers but it tastes too mellow.
He said: Too sweet. Was it coffee? I couldn’t tell.

Confiserie Arosa, 52a Ramshill Road, Scarborough, tel 368674
Appearance
Selection of lively shapes and colours
He said: Nice original look.
She said: More Betty Boop than Marilyn Monroe but attractive.
Taste
He said: Dark choccie round a pink centre, real flavour
She said: Fun not sophistication is the thing here and it works. Good bitter choccie over white marzipan adds a touch of class.

The price: Do you have to ask?? Buy some more for your paramour!