Chocolate is unquestionably what we need right now. And we’ve just heard about this new chocolate spot opened in the foodie paradise that is Galway. We were introduced to Truffle Galway by Margaret Mangan of the city’s Cloon Keen perfume – she has unerring great taste and is a fantastic supporter of the very finest small Irish artisan companies. She has previously put me on to class acts such as Lou Brennan scarves and MoMuse jewellery (Cloon Keen’s neighbour in Dublin’s Powerscourt Townhouse), as well as fabulous Paris store Macon et Lesquoy (you can lose hours browsing their fantastic range of hand embroidered brooches and iron-on patches – perfect for upcyling too www.maconetlesquoy.com).

Truffle Galway, on Market Street, is sister store to fabulous French patisserie Le Petit Delice, on Mainguard Street, whose almond croissants fill us with longing – their Instagram alone (@lepetitdelicegalway) gives us a sugar high. And this sleek new boutique is a little goldmine of delicious chocolates. There are already great chocolate companies in Co Galway, such as Hazel Mountain Chocolate, and this one more than holds its own.

I can see why the flavour combinations would appeal to a perfumer like Mangan – Burren Honey, Praline & Cinammon, Lemon & Basil, and Jasmine Tea could all be the titles of new fragrances. I’m familiar with the smell of tonka bean from perfumes, but here it sings out when paired with vanilla, in Truffle’s diamond chocolate. The silky textures, single-origin chocolate ganache and perfectly unfussy yet fascinating flavour combinations all mean that these small squares will not stay in their box for long. I’m already dreaming of my next Praline & Cinammon fix.

www.trufflegalway.com