Dark Sugars
For the authentic taste of West African cocoa, pay a visit to the four-storey flagship ‘Cacao House’ in Greenwich. Step inside and be greeted by the glorious aroma of roasting Ghanaian cocoa beans. We suggest you sample the intensely rich hot chocolate, with an assortment of flavours from hazelnut praline and white saffron, to the signature Pitch Black hot chocolate, topped with mounds of shaved chocolate.
Nelson Road, SE10
William Curley
Hidden in an idyllic courtyard in the heart of Soho, chocolatier William Curley’s boutique is founded on an intense passion for his craft, sourcing the finest ingredients to create inspiring chocolates. William refuses to compromise on the quality of his work. If you’re a hazelnut enthusiast, you’ll love the Gianduja hot chocolate, which blends Piedmont hazelnut and 70 per cent Tuscan dark chocolate.
Smith's Court, W1D
The Nook
This cosy independent café sits beside Hampstead Heath, making it the perfect spot for strollers, dog walkers, and even pond swimmers in need of warming up. The silky hot chocolate is crafted by melting the finest Belgian chocolate through steamed milk, with a selection of six chocolate strengths from 28 per cent white chocolate to the darkest 80 per cent cocoa. This is a must-visit if you're in the area.
South End Road, NW3
Knoops
The Knoops concept revolves around the percentage menu, designed so that you can concoct your ideal hot chocolate with the help of a Knoopologist. Choose your desired percentage of white, milk, dark or ruby chocolate, with added extras such as sea salt, orange zest, or chilli. Savour a tailor-made hot chocolate at the Kensington café after shopping your way down the famous high street.
Kensington High Street, W8
Image above: Hotel Chocolat |
Image above: Knoops |
Badiani
Celebrating truly authentic Italian flavours, Badiani was founded in Florence in 1932 and finally made its way to London in 2015. For a warming treat, try the decadent Italian hot chocolate with two flavours to choose from. The classic is topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and signature wafer, or tantalise your tastebuds with the pistachio hot chocolate for the perfect balance of cream, sweetness and nutty flavour.
Fulham Road, SW10
Hotel Chocolat
Home to the ground-breaking Velvetiser, Hotel Chocolat prides itself on crafting hot chocolate with deep cocoa flavours and next-level smoothness. The company champions fair pay and ethical labour practices for cocoa farmers, so you can enjoy a velvety hot chocolate made from equitably sourced cocoa beans entirely guilt-free.
Victoria Street, SW1E
Italian Bear
Having opened their doors in 2012, these chocolate artisans pride themselves on recipes rooted in Italian heritage. For the ultimate indulgence, sample the super-thick hot chocolate rich in cocoa solids, with molten chocolate ladled over the mug. Ideally located for a break from Fitzrovia’s shops and museums, this quaint café in a charming and leafy street is the perfect place to savor a hot chocolate.
Rathbone Place, W1T
The Connaught Patisserie
The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzard is a jewel in the heart of Mayfair and can be found on Mount Street. Pair a breakfast pastry or elegant patisserie with The Connaught hot chocolate, crafted with dark Valrhona chocolate and stirred with Madagascan vanilla. This is a silky treat you won't want to miss.
Mount Street, W1K
Chin Chin Labs
For an indulgent, Instagram-worthy beverage, head to bustling Camden Market. This inventive ice cream parlour does a hot chocolate to knock your socks off: handmade using rich Valrhona chocolate, ladled into paper cups, topped with a mountain of marshmallows and blow-torched right in front of you.
Camden Lock Place, NW1
