Preheat oven to 160ºC (325F), and grease the surface of a round, 20cm/8-inch diameter pan with sunflower oil. Then slowly melt 250g/8 ounce chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until all dissolved and set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together with the sugar, vanilla paste, 4 tbsp honey and chocolate extract (or 25g/1 ounce dark chocolate) for three minutes until pale and fluffy. Then, fold in the flours, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cocoa powder and ground almonds.

Pat the grated beetroot thoroughly with kitchen paper in order to remove some of the excess moisture, then fold together the beetroot, cooled chocolate and oil with the help of a spatula until completely combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and cook in the middle of the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes. Then cover the cake with foil and bake for a further 30 minutes. Remove from oven and leave to cool on a wire rack.

To make the topping, melt the remaining chocolate then remove from the heat to add the coffee (if using) and vanilla extract, and then the honey. Set aside for 15 minutes before topping the cake.

Decorate with flowers if you wish.