Buy it dark, milky, or white. Sprinkle it with salt or spice it with chillies. Whichever way you like it, this indulgent comfort food is undeniably ubiquitous in the British capital.
But you might need to steer in the right direction to get your hands on top-quality cocoa. From traditional chocolate houses to innovative chocolatiers peddling bold new flavours, here’s where to find the best chocolate shops in London.
William Curley
A master among masters, William Curley, has won more ‘Britain’s Best Chocolatier’ awards than most of us have had hot dinners. No wonder, perhaps, given his forensic use of Japanese ingredients, balancing the flavours of miso, sesame and yuzu with classic staples like biscuit, caramel and praline.
Melt
Watch popcorn pop and caramel bubbles or listen to the chocolatiers give tips at Melt‘s open chocolate kitchen. Full of mid-century furniture and sublime choccies that mix ethical ingredients with bold ideas (such as the ‘Smoke Bar’ made with cocoa beans grown in volcanic soil), Melt is one of London’s most popular chocolate shops.
Prestat
Prestat has a rich history, supplying chocolates to the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II. It is known for its decadent truffles and vibrant packaging, particularly its Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles. The brand’s heritage and quality make it a London institution.
Pierre Marcolini
This Belgian chocolatier’s London store offers chocolates that are known for their elegance, exquisite taste, and craftsmanship. Pierre Marcolini uses the finest ingredients and offers luxurious pralines, macarons, and signature chocolate bars.
Montezuma’s
Taking chocolate back to its roots, Montezuma‘s is unafraid to mix the most cocoa-intense chocolates with the loudest ingredients. Into the pot goes limes, coffee, chillies, ginger, chutneys, mangoes, and other goodies, and out come the most fantastical chocolate bars, such as the Apple Crumble variety!
Rococo
Even those who haven’t tried, Chantal Coady’s boxes of chocolates will recognise the trademark blue and white packaging. With an emphasis on traditional fondant creams (such as rose) as well as unusual confections like chocolate olives, Rococo‘s Motcomb Street store is the best place to visit if you like the idea of enjoying your chocolate in a quaint Moroccan garden.
Dark Sugars
To say, Mendy, owner of Dark Sugars, is serious about chocolate would be a huge understatement. Having travelled worldwide, picking up professional skills in Belgium and Switzerland, Mendy decided to set up her own chocolate shop in London.
The result is Dark Sugars in Brick Lane, which has introduced the British market to high-cocoa, low-sugar, and big-flavour chocolates in slick, minimalist styles.
Charbonnel et Walker
Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker has an enviable pedigree that stretches back to when Mrs Walker and Mme Charbonnel (of Maison Boissier chocolate house in Paris) teamed up to open at 173 New Bond Street. The duo’s pastel boxes of classics have been so successful that they still hold a Royal Warrant – a prized asset among London’s best chocolatiers.
Artisan du Chocolat
Located in Selfridges, Artisan du Chocolat is a luxury brand focused on purity and innovation. It is known for its fresh, liquid and salted caramels, delicious dark chocolate bars, and bold flavour profiles. Its bean-to-bar chocolates are crafted with great attention to detail and quality.
Venchi
This Covent Garden-based Italian chocolatier brings a taste of Italian tradition to London. Venchi is known for its luxurious gelato and chocolate creations. Venchi specializes in pralines, chocolate spreads, and beautifully packaged gift items, combining Italian heritage with a modern twist.
Le Jeune Chocolatiers
A more recent addition to London’s chocolate scene, Le Jeune creates beautiful, handmade chocolates with premium ingredients. Their elegant and minimalist style, coupled with delicious flavours, has made them a rising star among chocolate connoisseurs.
Läderach Chocolatier Suisse
On Regent Street, Swiss chocolatier Läderach is known for its exceptional quality chocolates, particularly its famous FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate). Their London store offers a wide range of pralines, truffles, and chocolate bars, all made with Swiss precision and craftsmanship.
If the idea of wiling the hours away in London’s best chocolate shops appeals to all the senses, why not book a place on our London in One Day experience?
