THIS week we invited readers to tell us their favourite places to get a hot chocolate in Dorset and the New Forest.

As always, we compiled a list of their responses and here’s what they said.

Chococo

Chocolate lovers will be in paradise at Chococo in Swanage with an endless choice of hot chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth. Take your pick from the 70 per cent Madagascar variety, the 75 per cent Tanzania which has notes of banana or the 100 per cent Colombia. You can even pay extra to have your hot chocolate flavoured with salted caramel, Dulce de Leche, orange, chili and cinnamon. If you’re feeling really indulgent, extras include marshmallows or go deluxe with malt balls and cream.

The Olive Branch

This Wimborne restaurant and bar offers an “indulgent” dark hot chocolate that “balances the bittersweet flavour of rick cocoa with subtle, fruity black cherry notes.” Or, if that sounds too rich for you, opt for the white hot chocolate which is described as “mellow, milky and deliciously sweet.” There’s even a liqueur version, too.

The Clay Studio

At this Christchurch-based pottery café, you can drink hot chocolate while decorating your own pottery. If you like your hot chocolate with all the trimmings, you’re in luck as the overflowing cups come with a generous sprinkling of mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Jazz Café

Enjoy your hot chocolate with a view of Sandbanks and beyond at this popular café. On its website, the café says its special hot chocolate is “celebrated” and can come served with whipped cream, marshmallows and a flake. Plus, in the winter, there are log fires to warm yourself on bracing days.

Giggi Gelateria

Not just all about the ice cream, Giggi’s in Bournemouth town centre also came highly recommended for its hot chocolate. Customers can take their pick from eight different versions including dark, coffee ginger chocolate, coconut, Amaretto and hazelnut.