It’s been a long time since I last indulged in hand-made chocolates and if it hadn’t been for winning a competition by Brighton blogger Ellie and Co I’d have blithely carried on choccy-free.
But £20 to spend was simply too much temptation and I was delighted to find that the dark chocolates made at Audrey’s contain no trace of cow’s milk.
I was free to run riot!
Founded in 1961 by chocolatier William Pain who worked for Fortnum and Mason, Audrey’s has never seen the need to change a winning formula.
Today they use the same recipes and the same moulds that were good enough for Mr P. back in the day.
The shop in Holland Road, Hove is all Georgian elegance and the chocolates are beautifully presented in old-fashioned glass-fronted cabinets.
As the majority are made on the premises there is a slight sweetness in the air as you step into the dimly lit store.
The friendly and smiling staff are on hand to help you make your selection, offering free samples while you make up your mind.
You can expect all the classics – fondant creams, hand-dipped marzipan, truffles and nut clusters – alongside a range of traditional sweets.
Even their latest arrival harks back to earlier times. Chocolate moulds based on vintage buttons that could have come straight from grandma’s button box.
These are luxury chocs, priced accordingly, and make a beautiful gift for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.
Out of all the chocolates we tried my favourite was the stem ginger, while Pork Belly preferred the white chocolate truffles.
Disclaimer: The £20 voucher was a competition win from Ellie & Co. Extra chocolates were bought by us, cos we couldn’t resist!
More about Audrey’s Chocolates
If this has made you crave chocolate you can find Audrey’s Chocolates at 28 Holland Road Hove BN3 1JJ or you can order online.