The smell hits you before the door has even closed behind you. Rich, deep, intoxicating, that unmistakable aroma of cacao being ground into something truly magical. It’s a grey Wellington morning on Adelaide Road in Berhampore, and there is a distinct bite and sprinkling of rain in the air. A typical spring day. But I’m not phased, I’ve just stepped inside Baron Hasselhoff’s, what one might describe as a mini chocolate emporium, and Clayton McErlane – Chief Chocolate Disciple, as he officially goes by – is behind the counter, melangeurs whirring and rumbling away in the background. Erin Todd, Clayton’s partner in chocolate and officially Chief Everything Else Officer is mid-conversation with their final customer of the day, but waves us in with a smile that says sit down, we’ll be with you in a sec.

