London's Best Chocolatiers
Ah, chocolate! Is there anything that ticks as many wonderful boxes as that favoured derivative of the cocoa leaf? We doubt it. At once gorgeously decadent, soothing and comforting, we occasionally struggle to think of a better invention by mankind. In case you haven’t guessed, we are committed chocoholics at LBC and take the business of the brown stuff very seriously indeed.
Needless to say, it is with great pleasure that we bring you London’s finest chocolatiers. Below is a list of places that we indulge our passion far too frequently. Each is wondrous and just a touch naughty which, ultimately, is the point, isn’t it?
Rococo Chocolates, Kings Road
Founded in 1983 by Chantal Coady, Rococo has quickly become one of London’s most famous choco-haunts. On an ostentatious backdrop of purple walling, Rococo is festooned with quirky little edible gems. Cardamom truffles and classic English toffee boxes are charming highlights, but Alex from Parsons Green prefers something a little more out-there. “I particularly love the asparagus shaped milk and white chocolate”, he says.
The Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge
Andrew Gravett is the Capital’s head chocolatier and more than pulls his weight in this two-starred Michelin restaurant. Head-chef Eric Chavot may get the lion’s share of the plaudits, but anyone who’s sampled Gravett’s delicate sweets will realise there’s more than just one genius at work in this popular hotel restaurant. Schooled in the Ecole du Chocolat in Paris, Gravett’s love of choclate tastes wonderful. Highly, highly recommended.
The Chocolate Society, Sloane Square
Among the wide variety of hand-made goodies are the chocolate sculptures, which really are something to behold. Made by designer Linda Gentle Cadeau, they straddle that wondrous line between art and food.
Gareth from Camberwell is another chocolic that’s hooked on this Sloane Square paradise. “You can't go back once you've started. Either make sure you have enough disposable income for repeat visits or else be prepared to sacrifice something!”
La Maison Du Chocolat, Piccadilly
This is the London branch of the world famous chocolate boutique. Originally established in 1955 by the Basque-born Robert Linxe, their decades of expertise come flooding through their selection of world-class chocolates. The staff policy of speaking French may be a little curious given the location (pretentious? Moi?), but the produce’s quality more than justifies a few haughty quirks. Laura from Clapham Common, however, didn’t seem particularly bothered. “This shop specialises in making hand-made French chocolate and, yes, it tastes delicious. The staff are also very professional in appearance and service”.
Charbonnel et Walker, Piccadilly
If it’s good enough for Her Majesty the Queen, it’s good enough for us. With 130 years of experience, it’s not surprising that Charbonnel et Walker is the first port of call for Liz and co. when they fancy sampling something on the sweet side. Despite the Parisian-influence, it has a distinctly English feel to the goodies which, naturally, taste out of this world.