AT THIS time of year news outlets become swamped with so many requests to publicise Christmas marketing stunts that trying to work out whether any are newsworthy becomes very time-consuming.

Loving Dalston, swamped by offers of free food, drinks and myriad gifts, tempting though they are,  is doing its best to keep a moral head. But news of a chocolate shop in Dalston Lane is worth reporting: it could solve a gift problem for a few harassed present-buyers in Hackney this Christmas.

Niko B, which styles itself “Chocolatier in Residence” at the newish Avo hotel – yep, the one in the long-abused Georgian terrace at E8 3AH has a “chocolatier in residence” – is to sell its choccies there from Fri 16 Dec to Sat 24 Dec 2011 (aka, Panicky Last Day To Buy Presents Day) from 1pm to 7pm (closed Monday).
Truffles start at £1.40 (that’s for one). A small bag of dipped fruits and nuts costs from £3.60.
Or, for £15  a ticket, master chocolatier Anthony Ferguson and his wife Susan will let you try Niko B nibbles at a preview in Avo, 82 Dalston Lane, on Thurs 15 Dec 2011 from 6pm -10pm. They promise “an indulgent night of chocolate cocktails, desserts, music and a preview of their Christmas chocolates and gift boxes”.
* The ticket includes a cocktail, desserts and £5 off gift sets.