It’s Hot Chocolate Season – Here’s Where To Get London’s Best
The warming rich lava that’s a cold-weather essential, nothing beats a hot chocolate on a brisk winter afternoon. But we’re bypassing the typical Pret cups and looking for London’s richest and most indulgent offerings. We think we might have just found them. From Dark Sugars’ chocolate curl-loaded number to Said Dal 1923’s Italian take, here’s where to head for London’s best hot chocolates.
Hotel Chocolat
Looking for a range of hot chocolates to choose from this festive season? You’ve come to the right place. Hotel Chocolat crushes the basic cup of cocoa with its variety of flavours and goodies to choose from.
Looking for something not too sweet? Try the creamy, award-winning milky hot chocolate made with 50% cacao. How about something to spice up your holiday season? Try the chilli-dark hot chocolate made with 70% cacao and habanero chilli. Plus, Hotel Chocolat has just launched a new and seriously upgraded version of their legendary Velvetiser. It makes drinking hot chocolate at home just as good as in your favourite coffee shop.
where: Various Locations
website: www.Hotelchocolat.com
Badiani
You might know Badiani for its silky, Italian gelato, but trust us when we say the hot chocolate here is just as good. Rich, extra-thick and crafted with artisanal Pernigotti cocoa from Alessandria, Piedmont, the hot chocolate is made in a custom-built machine that ensures every sip is delicious and indulgent. They have a gorgeous pistachio hot chocolate on the menu made from handpicked Italian pistachios, but of course, we’re also dreaming of a taste of their classic hot chocolate.
where: across london
website: www.badiani1932.com
Knoops
Experts in the chocolate field, Knoops serve up some of the best creamy chocolate-y drinks in the capital.
Starting life in the picturesque town of Rye, East Sussex, their concept is centred around the chocolate percentage. Visitors can choose their chocolate percentage, milk type and add on extra flavour touches too, from orange zest to sea salt, to really take the chocolate experience up a notch. Now with dozens of venues spread across the city, you can enjoy their hot chocolates any time.
where: various locations
website: www.knoops.co.uk
The Chinoiserie
Located in the Carlton Tower Jumeirah, this cocoa is piping hot with popularity and taste. Coined the most Parisian cup you can get in London, this holiday beverage is a must-sip this season.
Located in the Carlton Tower Jumeirah, this cocoa is pipping hot with popularity and taste.
Watch your hot chocolate created before your eyes as a waiter freshly brews a heaping serving of chocolate delight. Pair your cup with any and all of the condiments and goodies provided: Radiant chocolate pearls, wonderfully fresh whipped cream, sweet strawberries, and to top it all off, mini chocolate chip cookies. We give this high-hot cocoa experience all the gold stars this festive season!
where: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, London SW1X 9PY
website: www.Jumeirah.com
Dark Sugars
Brick Lane’s Dark Sugars takes chocolate lovers on a whole new journey. Fall in love with the founder’s inspiring journey and indulge in one of the best hot chocolates you’ll ever try. Their hot chocs are piled with layers of shaved chocolate that’s topped over warming, frothy milk. Watch as it melts its way into the milk, spilling over the sides and getting your fingers covered in chocolatey goodness.
Brick Lane’s Dark Sugars takes chocolate lovers on a whole new journey.
As well as hot chocolates, visitors can expect to search through mountains of handmade goodies, from truffles and pearls to vegan-friendly treats.
where: 141 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
website: www.darksugars.co.uk
Maison Ladurée
If Parisian chocolate is your favourite, you’ll want to whizz over to Ladurée, the already famous Pâtisserie we all know and love.
With locations all around London, and a status that goes unchallenged, Ladurée is a staple place to sip on a warm, chocolatey cocoa.
Sit in and order one of their hot chocolates from locations like Covent Garden, or after a shopping spree at Burlington Arcade. Just make sure you are prepared for a chocolate coma afterwards.
where: Various Locations
website: www.Laduree.co.uk
Venchi
London is home to many Venchi locations, the place to shop for traditional Italian-style chocolates.
Venchi is the place to shop for traditional Italian style chocolates.
From indulgent spreads to pick and mix that’ll win over any chocolate fan, there’s something for all hidden inside one of Venchi’s stores. Including their hot chocolate offering that’s creamy and full-flavoured.
For those wanting to recreate their hot choc offering at home, buy the Cacao Due Vecchi Cocoa Powder Drinking Chocolate and mix up your own warming concoction at home.
where: Various Locations
website: www.venchi.com
Rococo Chocolates
Established back in 1983, Rococo Chocolates now boasts the finest luxury chocolate blends, handcrafted truffles and astounding hampers.
The chocolatiers pride themselves on using only the finest, most ethically sourced ingredients, for sustainability purposes, but also to maximise the taste. Rococo continues to wow all year round, with its innovative creations and speciality products. But for the hot chocolate lovers out there, look to them for a creamy-filled blend made with the finest quality chocolate. Rich, indulgent and every bit as delicious as you could imagine.
where: Various Locations
website: www.rococochocolates.com
Melt London
Rich, thick and delicious. So thick you could eat it with a spoon, Melt London’s hot chocolates are hard to beat. They use a range of chocolate caddies to make the most indulgent cup, whether you’re in your dark or milk choccie. If you’re a fan of the taste, you can even buy them by the jar to recreate the experience for yourself at home – although nothing quite beats one made by the professionals themselves.
where: Various Locations
website: www.meltchocolates.com
The Apple Blue
This cafe serves up some of the best Brunch in South London, and some of the best cocoa too!
This cafe serves up some of the best Brunch in South London, and some of the best cocoa too.
Enjoy their classic French toast with a cup of thick cocoa. Made from a blend of Colombian chocolate, milk & cream, and bourbon vanilla bean, this chocolate rimmed cup is ideal for a cold, cosy winter day.
where: 212 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BS
website: www.Theappleblue.com
Italian Bear Chocolate
Rooted in Italian cultural heritage, Italian Bear Chocolate creates the best cup of cocoa curated by their own chocolate artisans. Enjoy locally based ingredients with these rim-lined and chocolate-filled cups.
Indulge in their cakes and other goodies as well – nothing goes with chocolate better than more chocolate!
Feel free to indulge in their cakes and other goodies as well – nothing goes with chocolate better than more chocolate.
where: Soho & Fitzrovia
website: www.Italianbearchocolate.com
