Next week is National Chocolate Week, a treat for sweet lovers whether they prefer dark, milk, white – or something else. After we reported the opening of Develdas chocolate shop earlier this month, Jamie Walker took to the streets to find some of the best chocolate shops in the city.

Montezuma’s Chocolates

Duke Street, Brighton

A quick internet search will show you that, in Brighton, Montezuma’s is a go to for your favourite sweet treats.

It is right in the middle of the city and is usually busy with locals and tourists alike sampling its delights.

Pop in and give them a go.

Google reviewer Philip J-D said: “Great selection of chocolates presented in a very stripped back, almost bookshop like, setting.”

Hotel Chocolat

Duke Street, Brighton

A rival chocolate shop in Duke Street, Hotel Chocolat is a great place to get gifts for loved ones or a treat for yourself.

Something that makes Hotel Chocolat stand out is the fact it has its own cocoa plantation in St Lucia.

Sue Thorne said: “Lots of variety. New flavours appear regularly. Always worth a taste.”

Leonidas

Queen’s Road, Brighton

An international brand that brings its rich Belgian history, and chocolate, to Brighton, Leonidas is a short hop from Brighton Station and is passed by thousands every day.

If you fancy a taste of what the Royal Family enjoy then Leonidas has been the certified supplier to the Royal Household since 2013.

Sally Weston said: “My favourite chocolate shop in the whole world.”

Koh-Koh Chocolate Boutique

Southwick Square, Southwick

If you are willing to travel a little further out of the city then this shop in Southwick is something of a hidden gem.

It stocks more than 80 varieties of chocolates for all occasions, that all come from the famed Valentino Chocolatier in Belgium.

Rose Mandarin said: “A wide variety of delicious chocolates, a nice treat for yourself and we give as gifts for friends all year round.”

Audrey’s Chocolates

Holland Road, Hove

Located in a four-storey Georgian style house in Hove, Audrey’s rich history is equal to its sweet chocolates.

The idea for the store came from founder William Pain, who had previously worked at Fortnum Mason.

His chocolate store, now run by David Burns, even supplies the famed Fortnum and Mason, not bad for an unassuming shop in a Hove residential street.

Liam Liddy said: “Simply the best chocolates. Inventive, delicious and classy. The go to place for chocolates.”

Chocadyllic

Hangleton Way, Hove

The mind behind Chocadyllic is Evelyn Day, who has appeared in a number of episodes of Channel 4’s popular food show Extreme Chocolate Makers.

A visit to her store will not disappoint as the creativity of her work shines through.

Some of her delicious creations can even look too good to eat, but trust me when you take a bite you’ll be glad you did.

Shelley Gates: “Evelyn is truly awesome and so attentive to detail of what we wanted and the end result was above and beyond anything we could ever have hoped for.”

Bonne Bouche of Lewes

St Martin’s Lane, Lewes

Established in 1987, Bonne Bouche has been selling its dairy delights to residents of Lewes for more than 30 years.

Its sweet treats are still popular to this day and if you are travelling to Lewes for the day you should definitely be bringing some chocolate homes.

John Hawkins said: “Charming and old fashioned, and the chocolates are of good quality.

“The sort of place you’d hope to find in a town like Lewes.”