Warm Sticky Figgy Pudding

Name: Warm Sticky Figgy Pudding
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates; 1/2 cup chopped dried figs; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces or 7 tablespoons) butter, softened; 1 cup superfine sugar; 2 eggs; 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour; 75 grams (2 1/2-ounces) dark chocolate, grated; Butter, for coating ramekins; Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish; 2 cups brown sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 200 grams (7-ounces or 14 tablespoons) butter; Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish; Vanilla ice cream, optional; Whipped heavy cream, optional