Easter chocolate sales at Selfridges have soared 80 per cent and overall confectionery sales have jumped by more than 30 per cent as shoppers look for affordable gifts for family and friends.

Selfridges director of food and restaurants Ewan Venters said: “There's absolutely no doubt that people are cheering themselves up with chocolate, the ultimate luxurious and affordable treat."

The department store is celebrating Easter with luxury chocolate gifts from brands such as Artisan du Chocolat, which has created a new collection of Easter eggs and chocolates, including FlashBunny rabbits and rubber ducks in neon colours.

To launch the FlashBunnies, a centrepiece has been opened at the Artisan Chocolateria at Selfridges featuring a mannequin dressed as a chocolate bunny girl.