British chocolate is dark, luxurious, and is taken very seriously. Chocolate Week is an annual event in October in the UK.
1. The Chocolate Society
© Laura Porter
The Chocolate Society was formed in 1991 and is dedicated to the discreet pleasures of fine chocolate. Their chocolate is made in London and they have this small shop in Belgravia, near Victoria. It's small and welcoming and there are always samples to try. The drinking chocolate is recommended too.
2. Rococo Chocolates
© Rococo
Rococo chocolates are luxury chocolates and worth every penny. Rococo was founded in 1983 by Chantal Coady who, with a passion for chocolate, opened the first Rococo store on the King's Road in Chelsea. There are now three retail stores in London including the flagship store on Motcomb Street.
3. Rococo School of Chocolate
© Rococo
The Rococo School of Chocolate in London offers a variety of chocolate classes for all; from children to experts polishing their skills. It can be about making chocolate, cooking with chocolate or tasting chocolate. Parties are available or even one-to-one sessions.
4. Charbonnel et Walker
© Laura Porter
Charbonnel et Walker is one of Britain's earliest producers of fine chocolate. Established in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker make chocolate for the Queen of England and produce the most divine drinking chocolate you've ever tasted.
5. Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat has a few stores in London but you can also join their online tasting Club and order chocolate treats and presents for delivery across the world. Hotel Chocolat is a British-owned company who make very fine chocolate. They have shops in London's exclusive shopping areas of Chelsea, Kensington and Knightsbridge but if you can't get to the stores why not join the Chocolate Tasting Club? Each month Hotel Chocolat will send you a selection of gorgeous chocolates which you give a score online and they publish the results. Even if you don't fancy joining the Chocolate Tasting Club you can still order some of Hotel Chocolat's delicious chocolates online.6. London Hilton Park Lane Chocolate Afternoon Tea
© Laura Porter
Podium Restaurant at The London Hilton on Park Lane offers 'Confessions of a Chocoholic' - a chocolate afternoon tea menu. The traditional tiered cake stand overflows with chocolate goodies such as freshly baked chocolate chip scones served with home made chocolate praline spread, chocolate cupcakes and miniature chocolate fancies. What a sugar rush!
7. Hope and Greenwood
© Laura Porter
Hope and Greenwood is a cornucopia of classic confectionery. Their Covent Garden shop has a huge array of much loved traditional sweets in old fashioned glass jars and pick & mix treasures, to a lavish selection of award winning, British made chocolates including Granny's favorite, Violet creams.
8. London Eye Green & Black's Chocolate Tasting
London's iconic London Eye is partnering with one of the UK's most popular luxury organic chocolate makers, Green & Black's, to offer visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in a premium chocolate tasting experience whilst overlooking panoramic views of the capital.
9. Chocolate Ecstasy Tours
Chocolate Ecstasy Tours are guided walking tours of London's hidden streets and arcades to discover the boutique chocolate shops and try samples. The perfect experience for any chocoholic.10. Paul A Young
© Laura Porter
Paul A Young fine chocolates are made on the premises and are sheer indulgence. He has a reputation for combining unusual flavors but he knows his stuff and it always works. There are also regular events for chocolate lovers.
