Best chocolatier

Published on Tuesday 12 February 2008 18:56

Chocolate heaven

1 MAYA, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, 01997 420008, www.mayachocolates.co.uk

Master Chocolatier Fabienne De Mulder hails from Belgium and brings chocolate excellence to Scotland. Fabienne works in a studio that looks on to the coffee shop so customers can watch Fabienne create delicacies like butter cream truffles and Earl Grey tea chocolates.

2 BELGIAN CALEDONIAN CHOCOLATE LINE, Victorian Market Inverness and High Street, Fortrose, 01381 622302

Lucas and Ingrid Storey's handmade Belgian chocolates are truly something special. Located in Inverness's Victorian Market, this chocolate heaven sits beside shops selling Scottish souvenirs, needlework and heraldic art and design.

3 COCOA MOUNTAIN, Durness, Sutherland, 01971 511233, www.cocoamountain.co.uk

Cocoa Mountain chocolates are lovingly made by hand, using only the finest ingredients, without any additional preservatives. James Findlay and Paul Maiden first set up shop in June 2006 after varied careers. Now they live in the tranquillity of Durness and are possibly the most remote chocolate producers in Europe.

4 ANANDA CHOCOLATES, 07795 420001, www.thinkingchocolate.com

A fast-growing newcomer on the block, producing to-die-for hand-made chocolates in Edinburgh (the name "Ananda" comes from anandamide, reportedly the chemical found in chocolate that makes you feel good). Chilli and orange truffles, strawberry and rose chocs and boxes made of chocolate are specialities; for Valentine's Day, they're making solid chocolate hearts in gold leaf. Outlets include the Manna House on Easter Road and The Store in Stockbridge, or order direct.

5 HOT CHOCOLATES, 255 St John's Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, 0131-477 9902, www.hotchocolates.biz

Absolutely delicious – try eating just one – hand-tempered chocolate and hand-dipped centres. Sharon and Chris won the Guild of Fine Food's "Best New Product of the Show" award for their apple crumble chocolate. Especially recommended is the "El Gordo" selection.