On finding themselves in this unfortunate situation, many have tried to eat their way back to happiness.

But few have considered what may be the ultimate solution to their marital or otherwise strife - fondue.

According to Serdar Necar, the owner of Leamington's first fondue restaurant, many a rocky patch has been traversed over a pot of the creamy, gloopy goodness.

Originating in the Neuchatel area of Switzerland in the 18th century, fondue has now come to Warwick Street's Mor bar.

Mr Necar urged people to cast off their food snobbery - and memories of the sets' ubiquity on the Generation Game's conveyor belt - to give the new concept a go.

The self-confessed fondue fan explained: "I have been to many fondue parties in my time where there is always a fantastic, fun atmosphere.

"It is a very sociable way of eating and of course, can be very romantic too. It involves so much interaction that couples who haven't spoken much for years suddenly find they have lots to say.

"I was surprised to notice there are very few other restaurants like this in England and think I have spotted a gap in the market."

The staple of the menu is the traditional Neuchatel fondue which contains Emmental and Gruyère cheeses, garlic, white wine and a drop of Kirsch.

Diners use long forks to spear cubes of bread which then they dip in the communal pot, or 'caquelon', in the centre of the table to coat with the cheese mixture.

Mor offers a set menu at £19.50 per person which includes the traditional cheese course, then a choice of fondue Neptune, prawns, scallops and tuna, Surf and Turf, which is served with beef, lamb, prawns and tuna, fondue Bourguignon, with beef, lamb or pork, or a vegetable-only option.

A milk chocolate fondue flavoured with cream and Grand Marnier, served with marshmallows and fresh fruit, is the feast's fittingly sumptuous finale.

Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy the experience and are given two and a half hours to mull over their meal.

As Mr Necar explained: "We like people to take their time. You can chat as much as you like because the food isn't going to go cold - you cook it yourself!"

Health and safety buffs will be relieved to note Mor's customers are advised to take care with the hot oil and can also read tips on fondue etiquette printed on the table mats.

These include "when you put the bread in your mouth try not to touch the fork with your lips or tongue because it does go back in the pot".

The venue also serves a la carte fondue options, traditional bar food and crépes for anyone not quite ready to take the three-course plunge into the communal pot.

But fondue-naysayers may just be tempted when they hear the slogan coined by the Swiss Cheese Manufacturer's Union, designed to turn people on to the cheesy delight.

They summed up its appeal in an unquestionably simple sentence: "Fondue is good and it puts you in a good mood".