The Chocolate Cocktail Club
If you’re in Farringdon, don’t leave without visiting the UK’s first chocolate cocktail venue. The menu consists of mouth-watering cocktails which range from creamy and intense to cool and refreshing. Each drink is garnished with a treat and you can order a selection of cakes, sweet treats and light bites too. Afternoon tea is also available, so you can tuck into sandwiches, cakes and treats, washed down with a signature Chocotini or glass of prosecco. 72 St John Street, EC1M 4DT. Open Tue-Sat. www.thechocolatecocktailclub.co.uk
Charbonnel et Walker
Founded in 1875 when Madame Charbonnel was introduced to Mrs Walker, Charbonnel et Walker has long been a favourite in the capital. Mrs Walker would create the beautiful gift boxes whilst Madame Charbonnel filled each one with a mouth-watering array of chocolates. Located in the Royal Arcade on Bond Street, Charbonnel et Walker is one of the few chocolatiers to hold a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen. Their truffles alone are well worth that honour. Make sure you try the Pink Marc de Champagne truffles. One The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, W1S 4BT. T: 020-7318 2075. www.charbonnelchocolates.com
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
If you’re a Willy Wonka fan, you’ll love Paul A Young’s two London stores in Soho and Islington. The team offer chocolate bars, truffles and brownies with daring but strangely satisfying flavour combinations, such as Marmite truffles and bergamot, orange and lavender bars. Make sure you try the passionfruit curd-filled chocolate.143 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8WA. T: 020-7437 0011 | 33 Camden Passage, Islington, N1 8EA. T: 020-7424 5750. www.paulayoung.co.uk
Artisan du Chocolat
Belgian-trained chocolatier Gerard Coleman has delighted Londoners and visitors alike for decades. Artisan du Chocolat has broken the mould and redefined modern luxury British chocolates since 1999, even sending chocolate-coated gingers into space once. Pick up one of Coleman’s signature O’s (wafer-thin filled chocolates) or salted caramels, or create your own personalised bar at the Selfridges concession. Make sure you try the N°1 Salted Caramels Original. Wedderburn House, 89 Lower Sloane St, SW1W 8DA | Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB. www.artisanduchocolat.com
Le Jeune Chocolatiers
Request your dream chocolate bar at Le Jeune Chocolatiers in Covent Garden, where duo Ivan and Harika Le Jeune handcraft delicious bars and truffles to order from their onsite workshop. Ivan spent 14 years in Geneva where he learnt traditional Swiss chocolate crafting methods. He then came to London in 2013 to open his workshop in the heart of Covent Garden. Personalised chocolate bars, truffles, pralines and more are available in store. They also have stock ready to purchase from their cafe and happily cater for vegans too. Make sure you try the handmade blackberry and strawberry chocolate bar. Strand Palace, 372 Strand, WC2R 0JJ. T: 07479272007. www.lejeunechocolatiers.com
Melange
The Melange chocolate shop and café were set up in 2008 by Isabelle Alaya, who then went on to launch the chocolate museum in Brixton in 2013. It is famous for its creative range of bars, workshops, thick hot chocolate and healthy chocolate drinks. Discover handmade chocolate bars and truffles featuring unusual combinations of spices, herbs and fruits. Make sure you try the lavender and lemon milk chocolate bar. 2 Maxted Road, SE15 4LL. T: 07722650711 | www.themelange.com
Melt
Established in 2005, Melt has boutiques in two of London’s smartest neighbourhoods: Notting Hill and Holland Park. The ‘nature knows best’ chocolates are lower in sugar and made fresh on the site daily. The shops smell divine. As an added bonus, they only work with suppliers who support the local community and the environment. Chocolate with a conscience! Make sure you try the popcorn bar or sea salted caramel bonbons. 6 Clarendon Rd, W11 3AA | 59 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AA. www.meltchocolates.com
Rococo Chocolates
Chantal Coady was one of the original punk chocolatiers when she opened Rococo on the King’s Road in 1983. It became known for its eclectic style and has since expanded to include branches in Belgravia, Covent Garden and Marylebone. With everything from ‘cigars’ to ‘bird eggs’, Rococo’s chocolates are as unique as they are delicious. Make sure you try the Praline New Potatoes. 321 King’s Rd, SW3 5EP | 5 Motcomb St, SW1X 8JU | 3 Moxon St, W1U 4EP. www.rococochocolates.com
William Curley
Former Head Chef Pâtissière at The Savoy, William Curley brought his award-winning chocolates to a concession in Harrods in 2011. Following its success, a new Soho boutique has since opened. The master chocolatier offers a selection of fine chocolates, macarons, biscuits and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Make sure you try the Nostalgia Jaffa Cake. 33 Smiths Court, W1D 7DP. T: 020-7287 4777. www.williamcurley.co.uk
Dark Sugars
Chocolatiers Nyanga and The Chocolate Man bring the taste of West Africa to the streets of east London with their Dark Sugars shop and Cocoa House, both located on Brick Lane. Feast your eyes on pretty chocolate pearls displayed in giant shells, indulge in a rich hot chocolate loaded with chocolate shavings and spices, or choose from an impressive array of vegan truffles and treats. Make sure you try the Pitch Black Hot Chocolate. 141 Brick Ln, E1 6SB. www.darksugars.co.uk
