London is home to some of the finest chocolatiers in the world. Whether you're searching for a sweet gift or simply treating yourself, you can find the perfect cocoa creation at one of the city’s top chocolate shops.
1. Charbonnel et Walker
Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker has long been a favourite in the capital. Located in the Royal Arcade on Bond Street, Charbonnel et Walker is one of the few chocolatiers to hold a Royal Warrant. Their truffles alone are well worth that honour. Make sure you try: Pink Champagne Truffles.
2. Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
If you’re a Willy Wonka fan, you’ll love Paul A Young’s two London stores offering 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: Passionfruit Curd Filled Chocolate.
3. Artisan du Chocolat
Belgian-trained chocolatier Gerard Coleman has delighted Londoners and visitors alike with his delectable creations since founding Artisan du Chocolat in 2000. Pick up one of Coleman’s signature O’s (wafer-thin filled chocolates) or salted caramels at one of his west London stores, or create your own personalised bar at the Selfridges concession. Make sure you try: N°1 Salted Caramels Original.
4. 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. They also have stock ready to purchase from their cafe and happily cater for vegans too. Make sure you try: Handmade Blackberry & Strawberry Chocolate Bar.
5. Melange
Melange chocolate shop and cafe was set up in 2008 by Isabelle Alaya, who then went on to launch the chocolate museum in Brixton in 2013. Discover handmade chocolate bars and truffles featuring unusual combinations of spices, herbs and fruits. Make sure you try: Lavender and Lemon Milk Chocolate Bar.
6. Melt
Established in 2006, Melt has boutiques in two of London’s smartest neighbourhoods: Notting Hill and Holland Park. The chocolates are made fresh on the site daily so the shops not only look great but smell divine too. 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.
7. Rococo Chocolates
Chantal Coady was one of the original punk chocolatiers when she opened Rococo on 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 “fruit slices” to “bird eggs”, Rococo’s chocolates are as unique as they are delicious. Make sure you try: Praline New Potatoes.
8. William Curley
Former Head Chef Pâtissière at The Savoy, William Curley brought his award-winning chocolates to a concession in Harrods in 2011. 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: A Nostalgia Jaffa Cake.
9. Dark Sugars
Chocolatiers Nyanga and The Chocolate Man bring the taste of West Africa to the streets of east London with their Dark Sugars Chocolate Shop and Dark Sugars 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: Pitch Black Hot Chocolate.
10. Prestat
Piccadilly’s Prestat has rivalled Charbonnel et Walker in the truffle stakes since 1902. This vibrant chocolate shop is another of the select few with a Royal Warrant and boasts an impressive list of famous fans including Cher, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, and Roald Dahl, who featured Prestat truffles in his novel “My Uncle Oswald”. Make sure you try: London Gin Truffles.
