FORGET fancy boxes, baskets and bows, Peak District chocolatiers Cocoadance have come up with the ultimate in chocolate pleasure - and it comes unwrapped.

The Castleton-based business is taking a hands-on approach with the Chocolate Experience, giving chocoholics a chance to literally get to grips with their favourite confection.

Not only do visitors learn about the history of cocoa beans and see the Cocoadance production process, they also make their own chocolates. And that includes getting wrist-deep in melted chocolate to hand-roll truffles.

Cocoadance is run by Dave Golubows and Bridget Joyce, who set up the company a decade ago in the kitchen of their home.

They began experimenting with different designs and eventually came up with a range including chocolate teddy bears, ballerinas, guardsmen, dipped fruits and exotically-flavoured truffles.

Their exclusive brand of chocolates proved popular in the quality market and these days they supply specialist shops, from Cocoa in Sheffield, to Liberty and Harvey Nichols in London.

The business has grown so much that larger premises were needed. They now operate from a converted barn adjoining their National Trust farmhouse at the foot of Mam Tor - and that means there is room for visitors too.

Dave and Bridget clearly enjoy their work and are eager to share the pleasures. So, on Sundays when there are no markets in the diary, they open up the workshop to customers.

The Chocolate Experience starts as it means to go on: with a shot of rich, smooth, liquid chocolate, served in a chocolate cup and saucer.
Dave then gives a brief run-down on the origins of the confection, from its early days as an Aztec spice to the current fad for 70% solids, single origin chocolate.

There's tips on tasting and a chance to compare different types - wine connoisseur-style. Then there's refreshments (sparkling wine or tea... and more chocolates) before the practical session begins.

At the end of the afternoon there's a grand unmoulding session and everyone goes home laden with boxes of hand=made chocolates.
The Chocolate Experience costs £25 per person, bookings only. Also available by request for groups of up to 12.

Cocoadance (01433) 621334 www.cocoadance.com