Where do the Best Chocolate Shops Hide in London?

If you’re planning to go anywhere in London, take sweet stops at some of its best chocolate shops. You can even book a chocolate tour to find interesting facts about how chocolates became popular in the city. 

Chocolate History in London

As of today, Charbonnel et Walker holds the title of being the oldest chocolate shop in London. This 130-year-old Royal Warranty holder lies in Royal Arcade on Bond Street, Mayfair. Once the Queen’s favorite, its guests recommend the Violet Cream, Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, and the popular, Pink Champagne Truffle.

But before Londoners went crazy over its champagne truffles, London hosted its first chocolate houses in the 1650s. Even before the rise of chocolate houses at St. James, a Frenchman opened the first chocolate house in Queen’s Head Alley in 1657. It began the craze for hot chocolate drinks with the promise of serving an excellent drink from West India.

See, the chocolate houses once hosted this luxurious drink for gamblers. You cannot enter the premises without paying admission. These prominent men gambled for a cup of chocolate drink. 

By that time, hot chocolate drinks are a mixture of cocoa, water, and spices. Sir Hans Sloane created the popular, chocolate milk, similar to the taste we know at present.

You can also read: Enjoy some family fun in London

Where Do These Chocolate Shops Hide in London? 

If you are staying at any of the hotels in North London, take a short tour at Paul A. Young. Smell the chocolate aroma upon entrance and find a variety of flavors displayed in circular tables.  The Gold Award-winner of World Chocolate Awards boasts an interesting fine collection of chocolates and desserts at his shop. Try the combinations of marmite and bergamot or the harissa and tahini.

But if you want to witness actual chocolate–making, you got to see them at Melts. Watch the chocolatiers mix and roll truffles, bonbons, and chocolate chunks. Try salted praline, pistachio chocolate bar, and their hot chocolate drink is a must-try too! You can opt to see it at Notting Hill or Holland Park. Ride to the Notting Hill Gate Tube or Ladbroke Tube Station to get to Notting Hill shop or drop at Kensington or Holland Park Tube Station to shop at Holland Park.

If you are into trying odd but inventive flavors, you cannot miss out shopping at Artisan du Chocolat. They serve chocolate goodness in strange flavors like Sichuan pepper, red wine, and tobacco combo, or lapsang souchong flavors. The shop boasts natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. You have to consume the chocolates within two weeks. Located at Lower Sloane St. Belgravia, you can get there when you drop at Sloane Square Tube or Victoria Tube Station.

There are other recommendations you can try. Choccywoccydoodah at Short’s Garden is known for eccentric playful chocolate creations. Rococo Chocolates, in its branches (Belgravia, Marylebone, and Covent Garden), boasts artful chocolates made from cocoa beans in the Caribbean and served in unique flavors like Persian lime or orange.  

Surely, London hosts the most unique and mouth-watering chocolates you can ever try during your accommodation in cricklewood London.