The Top 5 London Chocolate Shops
London is home to some of the finest chocolate shops, each offering unique and luxurious treats. Here are five of the top chocolate shops in the city that you must visit.
Charbonnel et Walker
Charbonnel et Walker is the oldest chocolate shop in London, renowned for its luxurious chocolates and beautiful location in the Royal Arcade, Mayfair. Established in 1875, it was Britain’s first luxury chocolatier. The collaboration between Madame Charbonnel from Paris and Mrs. Walker from London resulted in exquisite chocolates presented in handcrafted gift boxes.
- Locations: Royal Arcade (Mayfair), 100 Liverpool Street Broadgate, Cabot Square
- Specialties: Handmade chocolates, traditional recipes, fine dark couverture chocolate, luxury truffles
- Notable: Awarded the Royal Warrant to Queen Elizabeth II in 1970
- Must-try: Heritage collection featuring flavors like Creme Cassis, Caramel Noix, Lemon Coconut, and Orange Marzipan
Artisan du Chocolat
Artisan du Chocolat, established in 1999, opened its first boutique in Chelsea in 2001. Known for creating the popular Salted Caramel flavor for Gordon Ramsay in 2002, Artisan du Chocolat continues to innovate with their handcrafted chocolates made from sustainably sourced cocoa.
- Locations: Chelsea (Lower Sloane Street), Kensington, West Hampstead, Riyadh, Doha
- Specialties: Individual truffles, gift hampers, refined chocolate bars
- Notable: First concession in Selfridges London in 2008, handcrafted chocolates in Kent
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
Created by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse offers an industrial-chic chocolate experience with boutiques in Borough Yards and Coal Drops Yard. The chocolates are handcrafted in Paris, featuring a range of pralines, ganaches, and signature bars.
- Locations: Borough Yards, Coal Drops Yard, also in France, Germany, Japan
- Specialties: Pralines, ganaches, dragees, signature blend chocolate bars
- Notable: Chocolates are made from beans transformed into bars in Paris
Visit Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
Neuhaus
Inventors of the Belgian chocolate praline, Neuhaus has been delighting chocolate lovers since 1857. With its original boutique still in Brussels, Neuhaus now has five locations in London, offering their iconic pralines and Belgian Ballotin gift boxes.
- Locations: Covent Garden, Harrods, Selfridges, St. Pancras, Waterloo Station
- Specialties: Ganache-filled pralines, Belgian Ballotin gift boxes
- Notable: Established by Jean Neuhaus who originally covered medicines in chocolate
Dark Sugars
Dark Sugars offers a unique chocolate experience that transports you to West Africa. Founded by Nyanga, who researched cocoa in South America and West Africa, Dark Sugars provides an authentic taste with fun flavors and rich hot chocolates.
- Locations: Brick Lane, Greenwich
- Specialties: Popping candy chocolates, white chocolate nutmeg truffles, Pitch Black Hot Chocolate
- Notable: African imported decor, sound of Senegalese sabar, story of cocoa from tree to tummy
These chocolate shops offer a diverse and exquisite range of treats, making them must-visit destinations for chocolate lovers in London.
