As the girls celebrate their second record Easter at specialist chocolate shop Cocoa, they admit they have acquired a taste for the retail trade.

Kate and Anne, both 23, began working at Cocoa in Ecclesall Road while studying at Sheffield Hallam University.

They were on the point of graduating when the owners decided to sell up and offered them a chance to buy the business.

“We had a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do, we could see the potential even though we’d thought about teaching. It’s a job for life now,” says Kate.

Since taking over, the girls have not only boosted turnover but also put their own inimitable stamp on the place.

They specialise in ‘quaint and quirky’ chocolates, from local treats produced in Bakewell and Castleton to exclusive names from London and Spain and even organic chocolate shampoo.

But the key to their success is the new Cocoa Lounge – a hedonistic haven for fellow chocoholics. The decor is decadent, feminine and crammed with memorabilia, from vintage chocolate adverts to old-fashioned wrappers and tins: “We’ve got loads of amazing things from our grannies!”

That includes the pretty mis-matched china teacups and saucers that all drinks are served in.

The Cocoa Lounge offers a choice of freshly-ground coffee, more than 30 types of loose tea or seriously thick, creamy hot chocolate, all served with freshly baked cupcakes.

And the fun doesn’t finish at 5pm when most shops close: the girls host after-hours tastings, get-togethers and even a weekly knitting club.

“One of our regulars had a knitting group that met at her house and she asked if they could come here instead. Now we get about 20 every Thursday – and we’re planning a book group too,” says Kate.

“We also take private bookings – it’s perfect for a birthday or just a good excuse to eat chocolate and have a giggle.”

Cocoa is at 462 Ecclesall Road; tel 268 50 50.