Montezuma's is an outlet for a small Sussex-based company specialising in handmade high quality chocolates. Founders Helen and Simon Pattison have set out not only to make the finest chocolate in the world, but to salve our consciences while doing do. Their cocoa beans are sourced from plantations in the Dominican Republic all of which use sustainable farming methods and are certified as organic producers. The chocolate bears a Soil Association logo. In addition the factory has stringent recycling standards and any odds and ends generated in production are donated to local charities. You have to like these guys.

Of course the quality of the chocolate is not dependent on the politics of the makers, no matter how good it might make us feel. The important point is that it is carefully made with plenty of cocoa solids and no cheating with vegetable fat. Once again Montezuma's scores highly. I confess that I am a chocolate addict, not a connoisseur, so I'm not best placed to judge, but it tasted pretty wonderful to me.

As well as blocks of chocolate (plain, milk or white) and a hot chocolate mix, Montezuma's also sells a wide range of truffles. These are truly divine. I can particularly recommend the Dizzy Fizzy, made with while chocolate, champagne and orange brandy. Totally luxurious, and just the thing for a decadent holiday season.