Easter is upon us and you all know what that means, collegiettes! It’s time to overindulge on the best thing man has ever created… Chocolate! But, instead of boring and generic supermarket eggs and bunnies, I’ve created a list of the best chocolate shops in the capital, where you can find the most unusual treats to satisfy that sweet tooth.
- Choccywoccydoodah – 30-32 Fouberts Place, Carnaby, W1F 7PS
Tucked away in the corner of the world famous Carnaby shopping area, this fantastically decadent chocolate shop and café is the best if you are looking for outrageous chocolate treats. The cakes that they have on display are so intricate and beautiful that you wouldn’t even dream of wanting to eat them. Treat yourself instead to their Easter specials, such as caramel filled dinosaurs and the decorated chocolate eggs. If you really want to splash the cash you can get a life size solid chocolate skull painted with flowers for £100. Talk about having chocolate on the brain, eh.
- Melange Chocolate Shop &Café – 184 Bellenden Rd, SE15 4BW
This Peckham institution is known for their love of combining chocolate with unusual flavours, such as spices, herbs, flowers, tea and coffee. Because of those experiments they are home to two award winning chocolates: the ginger with lime and the raspberry with rosemary. They also offer chocolate and wine tastings, a chocolate club, and give workshops on how to make your own perfect treats. If you can’t make it to Peckham, don’t fret, you can order online too! Chocolate delivered straight to your day? How blissful.
- Melt – 59 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, W11 2AA
At Melt’s you will be able to watch your chocolate being freshly made before it’s lovingly gift wrapped for you to enjoy at home. All of the chocolates and treats are conceived and created in-house by their master chocolatiers. They offer dozens of different gift boxes and bags, as well as being able to create your own custom box of truffles, all of which can also be ordered online. The organic popcorn slathered in milk – or dark chocolate, depending on your preference – is a definite must-try.
- Paul A Young Fine Chocolate’s – Various locations
Paul A Young is a master chocolatier who is known for making the highest quality chocolate in the capital and for being incredibly creative with flavour combinations. He has four branches and at each one the chocolate is made by hand and in small batches with the freshest and finest ingredients. Previous creations include a black pudding truffle with ginger biscuit and Marmite infused chocolate. Formally a head pastry chef for Marco Pierre White, Paul has gone on to win many awards for his chocolate and published books on the art of chocolate-making too. If you ever get the chance, try out the brownies… They are heavenly.
Let us know what you think of the list and of any other chocolate-related deliciousness in the comments below!
Pictures from Paul A Young, Melange and TimeOut.