Casa Cortés Choco Bar

Having only been open five months, the Casa Cortes chocolateria on Calle San Francisco has already gained a loyal following due to its innovative menu and family ethos.

Cortes Chocolate is a local business that has been passed down the generations and the current owners have found an entrepreneurial way to ride out the recession - a chocolate café.

The shop is a blend of gastronomy and art, incorporating a small museum on the second floor which details the history of the business and an art exhibition.

The restaurant serves brunch and lunch, as well as being the perfect place to stop for a drink.

The Montezuma hot chocolate with a kick of chilli is a must try while the Chocolate Martini is a great afternoon pick-me-up.

The most recent addition to the menu is the Adams Organic Chocolate Stout, sourced from Northern England; it is clear that this family go to great lengths to find exciting products for their customers.

For a bite to eat that is really different try the Roasted pumpkin soup with ginger, parmesan and white chocolate crostini - a combination that Willy Wonka himself would be proud of.

Or if you are feeling chocolate conservative there are plenty of non-chocolate salads and paninis to enjoy.

The only problem with Casa Cortes is that it shuts at 5.00pm Tuesday through Friday and at 6.00pm at the weekend, although they are soon to announce later opening hours on Thursday -watch this space.