SNJ reporter Jamie Wiseman found himself in chocolate heaven when he visited a small secluded part of Merretts Mill in Woodchester.

TUCKED away in a secluded part of Woodchester, artisan chocolatiers Costèllo and Hellerstein hand crafts luxury truffles.

Husband and wife duo Ori Hellerstein and Yvonne Costèllo are the brains behind the small but growing business, which started in September last year.

Their truffles are made using only the finest ingredients to create the perfect sensory experience and are sold to high-end retailers including Harrods.

In his kitchen in Woodchester, Ori hand crafts four different flavour truffles – sea salt and caramel, hazelnut praline, orange and dark chocolate, and raspberry and coconut – all of which tantalise the taste buds.

Classically trained in illustrious restaurants and hotels in the capital, head chocolatier Ori first opened a pastry company, The Artisan Baker, but chose to specialise in truffles in 2014.

Since moving from London to the peace and quiet of Painswick, the couple have had their first child.

“Balancing a new business with a new baby has been difficult at times,” said Ori. “But also so rewarding.

“Growing the business from scratch has been a challenge but we are starting to pick up steam now.

“Our dream is to create a huge range of different flavours and supply high-end retailers around the world.”

The secret to their amazing truffles, Ori told me, is simplicity. “The mixing of different flavours must be subtle and simple. The key, like all good food, is the ingredients you use. Fine food should command attention. It is to be experienced and enjoyed by your eyes, your hands, your sense of smell and your palate; a complete sensory experience.”