With the sudden drop in temperature, dark nights approaching and the arrival of October, it’s fair to say that our alleged Indian Summer has swiftly departed. Thus winter awaits; and while I’m not thrilled at the prospect of frost-bitten hands, stone-cold feet and dark mornings, I’m certainly excited about digging out my chunky knits, fur lined gillets and wrap dresses. My favourite thing about my winter wardrobe? The fact that unlike my summer attire, it’s far more forgiving. So by way of celebrating, I am planning on fully indulging in Chocolate Week – beginning on Monday.

Kindly funded by the lovely people at The Ecuador Tourist Office, Divine Chocolate, Thorntons and Hotel Chocolat, a whole host of exciting events will be taking place over the week – guaranteed to provide chocolate-lovers nationwide with a little something to tantalise their taste-buds!

And the highlight of the week is the fabulously decadent celebration of chocolate - Chocolate Unwrapped – a show taking place over the 15th and 16th of October. With a range of chocolate sculptures on display, including Paul Wayne Gregory’s three-foot high chocolate doll’s house, cooking demonstrations and a whole host of tastings, there really is something for everyone, whether you want to admire from afar or really get to grips with all the culinary delights on offer. In particular the Great Chocolate Cake Off promises to provide even the most glutenous of participants with a serious chocolate treat. With each cake entry being judged on texture, appearance and most importantly taste, and 30 contenders vying for first prize, it’s certainly a job I wouldn’t turn down.

With the opportunity to see chocolate being made in a minature chocolate factory, top chocolatier William Curley demonstrating recipes from his new book, Couture Chocolate, and Thorntons Master Chocolatier hosting tastings of the Centenary Collection, it really is a celebration of all things indulgent.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the National Chocolate Week website for tickets and give in to the ever deadly sin of temptation...

Chocolate Unwrapped takes place at Vinopolis (Stoney Street, London, SE1 9BU)