By Sophie Cross
Mmmm, chocolate. There’s just nothing else like it is there? And in hot liquid form, there really is no better way to warm up as you explore London and have socially distanced meetups through the winter. Plan your outdoor winter walks around stopping to grab a cup at these hot chocolate hotspots.
Rabot 1745, London Bridge
From their cacao themed restaurant in Borough Market which is designed to look like a Saint Lucian cacao farmhouse, Rabot 1745 serves up some of London’s best hot chocolate. Choose from mint, orange, ginger, hazelnut praline, salted caramel and vanilla white which are all made with 100% chocolate (no syrups and no powders).
Said dal 1923, Soho
Said dal 1923 is a chocolate artisan based in Broadwick Street serving divine hot chocolate with three different types of chocolate sauce. This can surely only be improved with a slice of chocolate cake or white chocolate cheesecake on the side.
Dark Sugars, Brick Lane
Dark Sugars on Brick Lane has chocolate drinks to die. Their incredible chocolate is chopped right in front of you and added to hot milk which makes the dreamiest, creamiest and richest hot chocolate you could imagine.
The Haberdashery, Stoke Newington
This cute establishment has built up a well-deserved reputation for serving super thick and delicious hot chocolate on Stoke Newington High Street. The Harbershary can also be found in Crouch End.
Beltane &Pop, Waterloo
A stone’s throw from the London Eye on the Southbank, Beltane & Pop is pouring a single batch, single-origin, pure hot chocolate. Start by selecting your chocolate type. Will it be 80.1% Amargo or 33.1% Velvet? There are a total of eight to choose from. Next, decide from five toppings including chantilly cream, orange zest and gourmet marshmallows. Make sure you stay warm by adding a liqueur. Finally, sip and ahhhhhhhhh!
Melt Chocolates, Holland Park, Notting Hill, Chelsea
London’s most luxurious hot chocolate can be found at Melt Chocolates in Holland Park and Notting Hill and Chelsea. You can also buy their innovative hot chocolate blocks so you can recreate the mouth-watering drink in the comfort of your own home.
Hotel Chocolat, various locations (currently open in Westfield Stratford, Victoria and Cheapside)
Hotel Chocolat has nine different drinking chocolates to choose from including the surprisingly moreish chilli chocolate. Hot chocolate gifts are available (and can be bought online) including a velvetiser hot chocolate making system.
Chin Chin Labs, Soho and Camden
Renowned for their Willy Wonka vibe and amazing customer service, Chin Chin Labs dish up mind-blowing hot chocolate. We recommend one of their incredible desserts like vegan griddled cookie dough or an ice cream (try coffee and olive oil with pistachio dust) on the side.
Venchi Chocolate and Gelato, various locations
At Venchi’s Cioccogelaterie shops you can sample the delights of their chocolates, pralines, spreads, bars, gelato and hot chocolate which comes in Traditional, Gianduja or Cuban Rum varieties.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates, Islington
This chic, purple fronted building on Wardour Street contains little boxes and cups of pure happiness in chocolate form. The hot chocolate from Paul A Youg is made from 70% dark chocolate mixed with cocoa and organic light muscovado and is inspired by the Aztecs.