IF you are worried about your waistline, you may be excused for not knowing about this snack spot.

A glance at the window indicates that this is a hand-made chocolate shop. Correct, but there is also a discreet notice about the coffee shop.

On entry the aroma of chocolate is almost overpowering. But by the time we departed, we didn't notice it at all.

This small venue - there are only four tables - is distinctive for its Charles Rennie Mackintosh-style decor and chairs made exclusively and on sale at this outlet. By sheer coincidence, Ann was wearing a brooch that matched the surroundings.

The simple menu explains the history and growth of the firm. It also gives the venue an alternative name - Chocolate Heaven. For the afflicted, 50 varieties of chocolate are on sale in the shop.

Ann had no difficulty in choosing hot chocolate (£1.95) which came in a glass mug. Without question this was the hottest drink of this kind she could remember. For me a pot of Assam tea (£1.25) provided two good cups. Fresh milk came in a dainty handleless jug. Had we selected coffee it would have cost from £1.30 to £1.90.

We shared an unremarkable scone, with cream and jam (£1.35). Ann asked for the lemon tart (£2.20) only to be told there was none. I couldn't persuade her to try one of the other sweets; bavariois, cheesecake, carrot cake or chocolate fudge frenzy. All came garnished with fruit, cream and chocolate sauce, and were priced between £2.25 and £2.80.

Ann had a taste of my crumbly apple pie (£2.50) remarking that the fruit was simply grapes that had been halved.

A nice touch was the complimentary chocolates we received, one plain, the other milk. Having eaten these we were hard pressed to ignore the shop counter as we departed.

For a quick coffee this could be for you, provided you have the resolve to avoid impulse buying on departure.

Updated: 16:26 Friday, October 10, 2003