The best hot chocolate London has to offer is hotly debated at the SquareMeal office, where everyone has their own favorite based on their preferences. Some prefer pure iterations of this luxurious winter drink, and most of all prefer the rich taste of melted chocolate without any fuss or embellishments to distract from the cocoa goodness, while others want total indulgence in all the bells and whistles. (Give the marshmallows and cream, and pass them now).
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Of course, the best hot chocolate in London might also come down to the convenience factor, where do you stand when it comes to coming up with an idea for one? Quite possibly the best hot chocolate in London is the decent medium that's closest to you at all times. There are exceptions to this rule though, with some of the options below being worth a pretty hefty trip just to sample their delights in our not-so-humble opinion. Why settle down when you can enjoy it, you know? If you're an Instagram enthusiast maybe you're looking for something perfect, in which case we'd love to point you to places likeChin-Chin-Laborsin Soho or Dark Sugars near Brick Lane. If you care more about what's in the cup than what it looks like, something pure and deeply calming like Rococo Chocolate's service might be just what you need.
From different flavors to complex sauces, there really is something for everyone in our roundup. So next time it's cold outside and you need a sweet pick-me-up, check out our list to find your hit. Of course, if you're a true martyr, you can work your way through all the options just to make sure you can make an informed decision about your favorite.
Chin Chin Laboratories, Camden and Soho
Was:Sometimes you just have to go straight to the top, and the surefire winner for Instagram-worthy hot chocolate in London has to be the team behind Chin Chin Labs. Would you like to check out these levels? The base of this decadent serving is Valrhona chocolate, melted into a silky smooth drink, which is then topped with artisan marshmallow fuzz before being seared to perfection for that campfire flavor. When you have to pour a cup of hot chocolate into a bowl to catch the excess, you know you're doing it right.
Wo:Rua Griega 54, Soho, W1D 3DS; 49-50 Camden Lock Place, Camden, NW1 8AF
Learn more:Chin-Chin-Labors
Dark Sugar, Shoreditch and Greenwich
Was:Hard to miss, this Brick Lane chocolate institution looks like it's set in a Willy Wonka factory, filled with all sorts of delicious treats. One of the store's most notorious attractions are the drinks. Steaming hot chocolate is filled to the brim of the mug before shavings of dark, milk or white chocolate are stacked on top for an extra touch of indulgence. He could challenge himself to leave without buying any of Dark Sugar's truffles, or he could just accept defeat, knowing resistance is futile.
Wo:141 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6SB; 9 Nelson Road, Greenwich, SE10 9JB
Learn more:dark sugars
Dirty Ice Cream from Mamasons, Soho and Camden
Was:When you've exhausted all the usual options, you might want to take your hot chocolate to a new and exotic level. Type: Ube. This Filipino cafe Mamason's Dirty Ice Cream takes purple yams and mixes them with white chocolate for a pastel-colored version of this classic drink. It's all filled with light purple whipped cream, too, for the perfect final dose of indulgence.
Wo:32 Newport Court, Soho, WC2H 7PQ;91 Kentish Town Road, Camden, NW1 8NY
Learn more:MamasonsDirty Ice Cream
William Curley, Soho
Was:Master pastry chef and chocolate magician William Curley worked in some of the country's finest restaurants for decades before founding his own small chocolate empire. The Soho shop is our pick: you'll find it tucked away in a very pleasant courtyard near Piccadilly Circus, where you can sit back with a silky hot chocolate and watch the world go by.
Wo:33 Smith's Court, Soho, W1D 7LR
Learn more:Guillermo Curley
Lucocoa, Bermondsey
Was:Lucocoa claims to be London's premier bean-to-bar chocolate maker, but they've also put so much effort into their exceptional hot chocolates, which are available in a range of seasonal flavors all year round. Lucocoa, too, makes all of its candy bars by hand, using coconut blossom sugar instead of refined white sugar, which is said to help prevent sugar crashes.
Wo:Arch 3 Spa Business Park, Bermondsey, SE16 4EJ
Learn more:Lucacoa
Knoops, Various Places
Was:A chocolate drink specialist, Knoops (apparently pronounced cow-noops) whips up iced chocolate shakes to cool sweaty Londoners in the summer before venturing into hot chocolate territory in the winter. A variety of single origin beverages are available, as well as flavored chocolates.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Keys
Hotel Chocolat, various locations
Was:Thick, rich, and sweet, Hotel Chocolat's signature winter brew is an ode to decadence (and we're not complaining). Flavors are few, with versions like salted caramel and gingerbread available year-round, and each hot chocolate can be topped off with a dollop of whipped cream in a variety of flavors. Obviously, the only correct answer to this question is yes (unless you can't eat dairy and you apologize). Available in the brand's cafes, this soothing winter drink also has the benefit of being served in a 100% compostable mug for peace of mind in terms of sustainability, if not calories.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:hotel chocolate
The Wolseley, green park
Was:For a complete London experience, nothing beats The Wolseley. So if you're looking for hot chocolate in great surroundings with unparalleled service, we think this hasn't been beaten. Made with pure flaked chocolate and frothed milk, the service here is topped with generous amounts of perfectly whipped cream for a rich, indulgent finish. Perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Wo:160 Piccadilly, Grüner Park, W1J 9EB
Learn more:o Wolsley
Confectioner, Multiple locations
Was:Those familiar with the legendary Konditor Bakery will know them for their amazing layered cakes and baked goods. Not so well known is hot chocolate, which is made in-store with whole milk for maximum creaminess. Visit any of their three locations for evidence.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Pastry chef
Rococo chocolates, various places
Was:We believe the best hot chocolate is the one you can almost eat with a spoon, full of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate vibes that foodies can swallow in just seconds. This rococo take on hot chocolate has that kind of depth because it's made with real chocolate, and for extra points you might want to know that it's a cup of cocoa with no milk. If after trying this hot drink you're sad that you can't have one every day, that's good news. London shops sell the chocolate in packets to drink, and you can even buy one of the brand's mugs to drink from. a real experience .do it yourself.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Rococo chocolates
CarpoPiccadilly, Piccadilly
Was:This store sells three things: chocolate, coffee, and nuts. Crowning this holy trinity of afternoon (or morning) delights is the brand's offering of hot chocolate, an incredibly thick version served piping hot on cold winter days to warm hands and hearts. Inside there are a few bench seats to shelter from the weather, and while you're there you can take home some treats, too.
Wo:16 Piccadilly, Piccadilly, W1J 0DE
Learn more:Carpo Piccadilly
Paul, a young man, Islington
Was:If the image of someone pouring melted chocolate into a mug with a ladle doesn't get your blood pumping, you're in the wrong place. Paul A Young is best known for his incredible chocolate creations, intricately decorated and filled with the finest ingredients. Back to their hot chocolate iteration, it tastes like melted chocolate; This one is for the hardcore fans of the cute stuff.
Wo:33 Pasaje de Camden, Islington, N1 8EA
Learn more:Paul a young man
Venchi, different places
Was:Venchi Chocolatiers has a few different hot chocolate options, but it's the brand's fusion drinks that really stand out. Our favorite has to be the combination pictured above, a wickedly good mix of coffee, chocolate and caramelized hazelnuts. And yes, it tastes as good as it looks. Luckily, you can also buy many of the ingredients that make up this drink to-go, such as:
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Venchi
Chocolates DeRosier, Wimbledon and Earlsfield
Was:Award-winning chocolatier DeRosier is a hot chocolate hotspot in South West London with two cafes in Wimbledon Park and Earlsfield. Alongside locally sourced coffee, award-winning brownies and handcrafted chocolate truffles, there's the brand's signature hot chocolate with six options. Specifically, they whip 40-50g of chocolate with a full cup of hot milk before topping with marshmallows and whipped cream. You can also add orange oil, peppermint oil and chili oil if you wish, but not all at once of course!
Wo:380 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4HP; 81 Revelstoke Road, Wimbledon, SW18 5NL
Learn more:Chocolates DeRosier
Rubi Violeta, King's Cross
Was:Like many of the top hot chocolate sellers on our list, Ruby Violet is actually primarily an ice cream seller, but after presumably trying to fill a gap in her market over the winter months, she's started selling hot chocolate, and so have we are happy . he has. More sophisticated than most, Ruby Violet's offering is served in a coffee mug, with hot frothed milk on the side that you can add to create your own perfect personal serving. Almond milk is also offered if you don't consume dairy products.
Wo:3 Wharf Road, King's Cross, N1C 4BZ
Learn more:violetter Rubin
Godiva, various places
Was:If there is good hot chocolate anywhere, it is at a chocolatier. Like everything else, Godiva's hot chocolate is decadent in every sense of the word (and not least in terms of price - the drinks aren't cheap). Once you have one of these, they can spoil your homemade creations forever, but those few moments of paradise will make it all worth it. We're talking about that silky sweet taste with a rich texture that indicates the right proportions of chocolate and milk have been used.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Diosiva
Aubaine, various locations
Was:The French restaurant Aubaine not only serves classic dishes for lunch and dinner, but also serves hot chocolate for those moments of the day in between. Not settling for just one option, Aubaine has a mini menu for you to choose from. Choose from caramel blonde, milk chocolate or dark chocolate and enjoy a perfectly steamed and frothy hot beverage made with only the finest Valrhona chocolate for a rich, creamy taste.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Negotiate
Comptoir Gourmand, various locations
Was:Away from the big chains, we're here to tell you that a small, family-run bakery makes some of the best hot chocolate London has to offer. With outposts all over the city, never stray too far from the nearest Comptoir Gourmand and sip chocolate. This iteration has real depth and is perfectly foamed for a light and airy finish.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:Gourmet-Theke
Fortnum & Mason, Green Park
Was:If you're planning on sitting down for a hot chocolate, you could do worse than enjoy a cup or two in Fortnum & Mason's lounge. The luxurious ambiance is complemented by the richly flavored beverage, brewed to perfection for that frothy finish and topped with whipped cream and a light layer of chocolate (in case you can't get enough of the hot chocolate). This is classic service done right.
Wo:181 Piccadilly, Grüner Park, W1A 1ER
Learn more:
Laduree, various locations
Was:A little chocolat chaud never hurt anyone, especially when served Parisian-style in London's cutest cafes. Decorated in perfect pastels, the cafés of this French export serve a wide variety of cakes and pastries (including, of course, the famous macarons) along with hot chocolate, which is a simple matter - the hallmark of assured service. . We thought.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:laduree
EL&N coffee
Was:If you're looking for pure, unadulterated Instagram fodder, then EL&N Café has got you covered. This brand's various joints are decked out in millennial pink, and the menu features all manner of flavor-inducing concoctions, including a Lucky Charms latte and the classic hot chocolate. Although one of the more discreet cafe items, this delicious mug with something hot and sweet is the perfect combination of chocolate and milk for an indulgent and comforting mug of hot chocolate, perfect for cold days.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:EL&N coffee
Gelupo, Soho
Was:Gelupo is first and foremost an ice cream parlor (and a very good one at that) and makes a hot chocolate to enjoy along with their frozen treats. Made with gianduja chocolate, which is about 30% hazelnut paste, this hot chocolate is like warm Nutella in a cup. At first you may think it might seem like a small serving, but after a few sips of this rich brew, you'll understand the need for small size.
Wo:7 Archer Street, Soho, W1D 7AU
Learn more:Gelupo
Melting chocolate, different places
Was:Melt claims to be the most luxurious chocolate company in London and while we can neither deny nor confirm this slogan, we can say that they produce excellent hot chocolate. Topped off with all the extra jazz parts your heart desires, this is the perfect spot to pick up some big points with the kids. Cream? Check over. Extra pieces of chocolate? Check over. Enough melted chocolate for a sugar rush? Check over.
Wo:Many places
Learn more:melt chocolate
Fan of the sweet life? Check out our summarybest ice cream in london, when you need a little cooling down after your hot chocolate.
FAQs
What is the famous chocolate brand in London? ›
Charbonnel et Walker
What is this? Known for their delicious champagne truffles, Charbonnel et Walker is the best chocolate shop London boasts. If you're looking to gift a quintessentially British chocolate, then Charbonnel is your best bet.
Hot chocolate is rich, warming and entirely delicious, capable of lifting your spirits and getting those sweet endorphins flowing. If you're thinking of becoming a cocoa-aficionado, then you're in luck: London's brilliant cafes and chocolatiers are known for serving up truly luxurious takes on the classic drink.
What is London hot chocolate? ›It's the one thing you see people cradling around Brick Lane and in Greenwich Market, no matter what day it is. The ultimate hot chocolate drink that can come flavoured (think Hazelnut Praline or Hot Chilli) and topped with as many chocolate shavings as you could possibly want.
Which is the best hot chocolate in the world? ›- Best Overall: Williams Sonoma Classic Hot Chocolate.
- Another Great Option: Ghirardelli Cocoa Beverage Mix.
- Best Milk Chocolate: Godiva Milk Chocolate Cocoa Canister.
- Best Classic Hot Chocolate: Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa.
- Best Dark Chocolate: Godiva Chocolatier Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa.
1. Cadbury Dairy Milk. Chocolate has suffered from falling demand – especially formats that were boosted in lockdowns “such as chocolate blocks and sharing bags”, says NielsenIQ analyst Polina Jones.
Is Fortnum and Mason hot chocolate good? ›Fortnum & Mason ultimate milk hot chocolate
The high price tag means this isn't an everyday treat, but these sweet chocolate flakes are rich in flavour, and, when mixed with milk, produce an indulgent mug of smooth hot chocolate.
1. Cadbury Dairy Milk. Cadbury Dairy Milk continues to dominate sales in the chocolate fixture.
Why is American chocolate so different to UK? ›The flavor distinctions aren't imaginary. They are tied to differences in recipes and manufacturing, depending on which side of the pond you're on. British chocolate tends to have a higher fat and cocoa content. American-made chocolate typically contains a larger dose of sugar.
What is hot chocolate called in the UK? ›The word “cacao” is increasingly used in the fine chocolate world. But “cocoa” is the standard English word for the processed parts of the Theobroma cacao plant. It is also used to mean a hot chocolate drink in the UK and some other English-speaking parts of the world.
What is Britain's favorite chocolate bar? ›Officially putting the debate to bed, grocery delivery service Britsuperstore has analysed the data and found the chocolate bar the nation loves best. Having evaluated over 4.5 million search results, Kinder Bueno has emerged as the bar most loved by Brits.
What is the number 1 chocolate in the world? ›
Believed to be the best selling chocolate around the world, Ferrero Rocher is for sure the most gifted chocolate around the holidays. Anyone who tried this mouthwatering treat can attest to that.
What is the number 1 selling chocolate? ›| Country | Top Brands | 2012 Annual Sales (In millions USD) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Reese's Peanut Butter Cups | 2,603 |
| United States | M&M's | 2,300 |
| United Kingdom | Cadbury's Dairy Milk | 852 |
| Germany | Milka | 733 |
The Standout: Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
It's also the only hot chocolate mix that features whole chocolate chips and vanilla extract. The flavor: The clear crowd favorite.
Wispa Gold
In 2009, to celebrate the relaunch of their classic Wispa Gold caramel bar, the British behemoth produced a single, gold-clad luxury bar, that went on sale for a whopping $1600.
- Nestle UK Ltd Market Share: x.x% lock. ...
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery UK Ltd Market Share: x.x% lock. ...
- Mondelez International Inc Market Share: x.x% lock. ...
- Barry Callebaut Group Market Share: x.x% lock.
Ghirardelli, Lindt, La Maison du Chocolat, Godiva, Valrhona, and Amedei are all some of the most luxurious chocolate brands around the world. They're known for their high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles.
What is the UK's Favourite Christmas chocolate? ›Four of the most popular and most loved selection tubs of chocolate here in the UK are: Cadbury Heroes, Cadbury Roses, Nestle Quality Street and Mars Celebrations.
Who is Britain's best chocolatier? ›Named as Britain's best chocolatier, Paul A Young is best known for his innovative and powerful flavour combinations, from dark chocolate with Marmite to white chocolate and masala spices.
What is the oldest chocolate company in the UK? ›J. S. Fry & Sons, Ltd., better known as Fry's, was a British chocolate company owned by Joseph Storrs Fry and his family. Beginning in Bristol in the 18th century, the business went through several changes of name and ownership, becoming J. S. Fry & Sons in 1822. In 1847, Fry's produced the first solid chocolate bar.
What is the most popular Flavour of chocolate in the UK? ›Cadbury Dairy Milk has been around for decades, and it's still one of the most popular chocolate bars in the UK.
What is the hot chocolate capital of the world? ›
The Hot Cocoa Capital of the World | Elizabeth City, NC.
What brand of hot chocolate does Disney use? ›Hot Cocoa used at Disney World is Nestle Brand
For the past few years, and again confirmed this year, the Hot Cocoa used at Disney World is Nestle. This brand is used at Dispensers in the Parks and Resorts year round, with a big push in the colder months.
Out of all the drinking chocolates on the market, the Guittard Chocolate Grand Cacao Drinking Chocolate is the best option for chocolate lovers thanks to its flavor, hint of sweetness, and a smooth and thick mouthfeel.
What is the UK's least Favourite chocolate? ›The study discovered the nation's least favourite Celebration chocolate is Milky Way, which received less than 8,000 searches over the last five Christmases compared to the top result, Maltesers, which can be crowned the nation's Celebrations favourite having received over 170,000 searches.
Is London famous for chocolate? ›London is home to some of the finest chocolatiers in the world. Whether you're searching for a sweet gift or simply treating yourself, you can find the perfect cocoa creation at one of the city's top chocolate shops.
What is the biggest chocolate company in the UK? ›Cadbury, formerly Cadbury's and Cadbury Schweppes, is a British multinational confectionery company owned by Mondelez International (originally Kraft Foods) since 2010. It is the second largest confectionery brand in the world after Mars.
What chocolate does the UK have that America doesn t? ›Cadbury's chocolate
British-made Cadbury chocolate is praised for its rich and creamy texture, while the American version is often criticised for being too sweet. That's because they use different recipes.
The incredible taste differences between North American and British chocolate are real. British chocolate has more cocoa and fat while our chocolate simply has more sugar. The reality of good flavour is the idea behind Aaron's Sweet Shop's The British Invasion Box.
Why isn t Cadbury sold in the US? ›Pretty much. Here's the deal: Hershey owns the rights to make and sell Cadbury bars for the U.S. market, but the American chocolate giant uses a different recipe. The first ingredient in U.K. Cadbury chocolate is milk, while sugar is the first in American-made Cadbury chocolate, according to The New York Times.
How popular is hot chocolate UK? ›The growth in demand for hot chocolate has seen the hot milky drinks category break through the £200 million barrier in terms of UK annual sales – with hot chocolate sales making up 66% of that.
Which country has the best hot chocolate? ›
There are many countries that are known for their hot chocolate, but some of the most notable are Belgium, Switzerland, and France. These countries are known for their high quality cocoa beans and their unique methods of preparation.
What is the Queen's favorite chocolate? ›Queen Elizabeth has had the honour of eating some of the world's most luxurious and expensive foods. But the monarch is said to be fond of a classic British dark mint chocolate, usually eaten after dinner, that anyone can buy from your local supermarket.
What is the oldest chocolate bar in England? ›Fry's Chocolate Cream Bar
During the 1800s, Fry's company was a pioneer of chocolate and aimed to make it affordable for people from all class backgrounds. Fry's cream stick was introduced in 1853, but Fry wanted to create a bar shape using unique moulding.
1. Cadbury. Among all the UK chocolate brands on this list, I'm sure Cadbury is one name that needs no introduction. After all, not only does Cadbury offer some of the best chocolates in the UK, it's also one of the most confectionary brands in the world!
What chocolate is England famous for? ›Buchanan's (Golden Casket Group) Known as the “Confectionery Clan”, Buchanan's is one of Britain's most famous confectionery brands. Established in 1856, over 50 brand lines are produced in the Golden Casket factory in Greenock. Their Chocolate Caramels and Chocolate Peppermint Creams are some of their fan favourites.
What chocolate is made in London? ›MADE IN LONDON. WITH NO REFINED SUGARS
Welcome to Lucocoa Chocolate. London's first bean to bar chocolate maker. We make our chocolate from scratch, by importing the best beans from around the world and turning them into chocolate in our factory in Bermondsey, south east London, each batch taking us three days to make.
- Cadbury. Dairy Milk.
- Mars. Bar.
- Cadbury. Caramilk.
- Lindt. Excellence. Bar.
- Tony's. Chocolonely. Milk. Chocolate.
- Other.
The city of York was once known as the Chocolate City, the air would smell of chocolate and a thick chocolate dust would cover every surface as it erupted from the city's chocolate factories. Every York family had a connection to Terry's, Rowntree's, Cravens or Lazenby.
Which is the number 1 chocolate? ›1. Cadbury Chocolates. Cadbury Dairy milk chocolates are some of the best chocolates in India and the world's largest brands of chocolates.
What is the oldest chocolate in the UK? ›J. S. Fry & Sons, Ltd., better known as Fry's, was a British chocolate company owned by Joseph Storrs Fry and his family. Beginning in Bristol in the 18th century, the business went through several changes of name and ownership, becoming J. S. Fry & Sons in 1822. In 1847, Fry's produced the first solid chocolate bar.
Who has world's best chocolate? ›
Switzerland has, hands down, some of the world's best chocolate. Swiss chocolate is usually high-quality milk chocolate, with a silky smooth texture. Many people credit the delicious taste of Swiss chocolate to the high-quality milk they use from local Alpine cows.
Which is the No 1 chocolate bar in the world? ›Lindt Swiss Chocolate Bars
In terms of flavor, many consider Lindt Excellence to be the number one chocolate in the world. Made in Switzerland since 1845 by Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, these premium quality chocolate bars are exported all over the globe.