The warming rich lava that’s a cold weather essential, nothing beats a hot chocolate on a brisk Autumn 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 Chin Chin Labs’ marshmallow loaded number to Said Dal 1923’s Italian take, here’s where to head for a chocolate induced coma.
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 four venues spread across the city, you can enjoy their hot chocolates any time.
CHELSEA, CLAPHAM JUNCTION, RICHMOND & KENSINGTON
WWW.KNOOPS.CO.UK
Said
If Italian chocolate is your favourite, you’ll want to whizz over to Said, the London branch of Rome’s oldest chocolate factory.
Now boasting two outposts in Fitzrovia and Soho, Said champions the best of its heritage with traditional chocolate making techniques and textures, and showcasing all of the chocolate treats from the Roman establishment.
Sit in and order one of their hot chocolates. They make hot chocolate the Italian way so expect a thick and rich melted chocolate wonder. Prepare for a chocolate coma afterwards.
41 BROADWICK STREET, W1F 9QL
www.said.it
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.
As well as hot chocs, visitors can expect to search through mountains of handmade goodies, from truffles and pearls to vegan friendly treats.
141 BRICK LANE, E1 6RU
WWW.DARKSUGARS.CO.UK
Chin Chin Labs
Better known for their liquid nitrogen ice cream, Chin Chin Labs turn their hand to hot chocolate as soon as the cooler weather hits. And as you’d expect, it’s as wild, wacky and weather-appropriate as you’d imagine.
Head down to Camden or Soho to try their signature hot chocolate. Warming chocolate that’s topped with gooey, charred marshmallow fluff (that’s also vegetarian!). Snap up a photo for the ‘gram before diving straight in.
CAMDEN, SOHO & SELFRIDGES
WWW.CHINCHINICECREAM.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.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
WWW.MELTCHOCOLATES.COM
The Connaught Patisserie
This one might be on the more expensive side, but a trip to The Connaught Patisserie is a must this Autumn-Winter.
The space, decked out in light pinks and booth seating, is the perfect backdrop to any hot chocolate experience. Enjoy their rich homemade hot chocolate alongside their iconic Hound chocolate hazelnut cakes – a chocolate lover’s dream date.
THE CONNAUGHT, CARLOS PLACE, MAYFAIR, W1K 2AL
WWW.THE-CONNAUGHT.CO.UK
The Handbook
Knoops
Said
Dark Sugars
Chin Chin Labs
Melt London
The Connaught Patisserie
