A chocolate cafe is not an entirely refreshing concept, but you can be sure there are always some who come back for more.

The Venue
On arrival, you may not immediately recognise Bar Chocolate because of the lack of a sign. The only other way of knowing is a portable sign that sits on the street out front, and that gives away little: Bristol's Best Ice Cream is as far as it goes. Indoors, the venue is subtle: the area is decked out in chocolate colours - seats are milk, dark and white. The fitted mirrors look like they are employed for their chocolate wood borders, but simply look generic, and the art for sale on the wall needs to be scrutinised to pick up Bar Chocolate's name.

The Atmosphere
While soft poppy jazz (Norah Jones) plays in the background, a small but steady stream of regulars come in to purchase their usuals. The staff are also eager to help newcomers with their decision-making dilemmas, patiently leading them to their ultimate choices.

The Food
Needless to say, the menu is anything and everything to do with chocolate: truffles, milkshakes, ice creams and cakes, etc. The icing on this cafe: ingredients are GMO-free. The Mississippi Mud Cake (£2.95) is a biscuit-bottomed, extremely nutty, chocolate fudge cake. This exceptionally rich cake is served with bark-like chocolate shavings and every bite contains a handful of nuts. The pie crust is soggy though – it tastes like uncooked dough.

The Drink
Drinks stay on theme with the majority made up of hot chocolates (£2.85 to £3.20), iced chocolates (£2.40 or £2.45) and mochas (£2.40). Where needed, these drinks are served with soy milk. For smaller appetites and thirsts, a child-size Baby Choc (£1.30) hits the spot. Non-chocolate choices are limited to water, ginger beer, lemonade and organic apple juice (£1.85 each).

The Last Word
The concept is almost passe, but the helpful service, and customers’ addictions, keep Bar Chocolate hanging on.