Hotel Chocolat

There’s a lot of chocolate in London. A lot of fine chocolate even. Some people may even argue the best fine chocolate shops in the whole world are located in London. Theirs is a strong argument really. But the proof is truly in the pudding. Here’s a cream-of-the-crop list of some of London’s finest of the fine chocolate shop offerings.

Paul A Young

33 Camden Passage, Islington, N1 8EA

143 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 8WA

20 Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street, City of London EC3V 3LP

With locations in Angel, The City and a flagship in Soho, Paul and crew create some of London’s finest chocolates. They eschew preservatives and additives for fresh herbs and spices, organic essential oils and fresh fruits. Everything is handmade, and the vast majority of the chocolates are created in the shops’ downstairs kitchens. They have arguably the best brownies in London, and the sea salted caramels are to die for.

Rabot Estate

2 Stoney Street, Borough Market, Southwark, SE1 9A

From the folks behind the Hotel Chocolat luxury chocolate brand, the Rabot Estate shop is located in London’s foodie central – Borough Market. It’s the UK post for Hotel Chocolat’s plantation on Saint Lucia connecting caco growing with lovers of fine chocolate and offering a range of items to devour immediately or to take back home as edible souvenirs.

Roast Conch

180 Shaftesbury Avenue at Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 8JB

Another one from Hotel Chocolat, London’s newest chocolate shop is also one of its most unusual. Roast Conch brings small batch chocolate making to the heart of London. The shop receives cocoa beans delivered fresh from Hotel Chocolat’s plantation on Saint Lucia. Once in shop, the beans are converted daily into a range of rare chocolate batches in an open basement kitchen where customers are free to view. A great place to shop, learn and sample a range of cacao items (both savoury an sweet).

William Curley

10 Paved Court, Richmond, TW9 1LZ

198 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 8UN

Gourmet master of fine patisserie with shops in riverside Richmond and upscale Belgravia and more rewards and accolades than you’d ever even imagined existed for chocolate makers, William Curley is also an innovator, author and an extremely smart choice if you’re looking for a tasteful treat or the perfect gift for that someone special.

Taste the chocolaty goodness today with a flight to London!

Photo: Chris Osburn