Advent has officially begun, and no matter your age, peeling open that first little door on a chocolate calendar never loses its magic. To mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up the top chocolate cafes and shops across London for anyone craving more than just a tiny taste.
Chocolatier Artisan Du Chocolat
Location: 81 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UL. Nearest Tube: Bayswater
Artisan Du Chocolat. The name speaks volumes. Here, chocolate is a serious affair. They go so far as to produce their own from raw beans rather than purchasing couverture (a fancy term for high-grade processed chocolate). The boutique is stunning, offering everything from bars to truffles. The core selection is excellent, but it’s always worth stopping by to see what they’ve created for holidays—especially Christmas! We also appreciate that they accommodate dietary needs. Some chocolates are made with buffalo milk, almond milk, and sugar-free dark and milk varieties. They even run a subscription service for true chocolate enthusiasts!
Choccywoccydoodah
Location: 30 – 32 Fouberts Place, W1F 7PS. Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
Most of us have caught a glimpse of the show while searching for Friends, but you may never have stepped into Choccywoccydoodah’s London store. Tucked just off Carnaby Street near Oxford Street, they definitely don’t do things by halves. Their fantastical cakes are breathtaking up close, but the chocolate selection is also extensive. We recommend heading in, snapping your Instagram photo, and settling in for a hot chocolate and a slice of cake. You’ll be in chocolate heaven in no time!
Melt
Location: 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA. Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Among London’s many chic chocolate boutiques, Melt is a favorite. Situated in Notting Hill in the west, Melt crafts seasonal chocolates daily in its on-site kitchen. Having operated for well over a decade, the shop is a must-visit to watch chocolatiers at work. They also emphasize ethical sourcing, using carefully chosen beans from responsible producers worldwide. The store offers chocolate tasting and making classes for adults, teens, and children!
Dark Sugars
Location: 141 Brick Lane, E1 6SB. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
Heading to the opposite side of London, you’ll detect Brick Lane’s Dark Sugars long before you spot it. Founded by Nyanga, a Ghanaian woman, the shop is all about authenticity and top-tier ingredients. Through the window, you can see piles of uncut truffle shards, and the global origin of Dark Sugars means flavors span the world, from cardamom to Jamaican rum. Everything is available in a vegan version, including our favorites: chocolate-covered medjool dates, ginger, and mango. Delicious!
DeRosier
Location: 81 Revelstoke Road, SW18 5NL. Nearest Tube: Southfields
One of London’s best-kept chocolate shop secrets is DeRosier. Found in the deep south-west of the city, this café-shop has earned a devoted local following for good reason. DeRosier specializes in handmade, single-origin chocolates with high cocoa content from Peru and Venezuela. Alongside a small but delectable range of bars, truffles, and boxes, they also sell novelty items like Wimbledon-themed chocolates, chocolate iPhones, and chocolate cups and saucers—ideal for a stocking stuffer!
SAID dal 1923
Location: 41 Broadwick Street, W1F 9QL. Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
Although this bustling Soho café-shop is an offshoot of one of Rome’s oldest chocolate factories, SAID feels much more approachable than many upscale chocolate outlets. Their main draw? An incredibly indulgent range of hot chocolates. Available in dark or milk, they’re loaded with hazelnuts and nearly thick enough to stand a spoon in. Besides chocolate spoons, cups, saucers, and shot glasses for sale, they also offer a pizza Romana—essentially a Nutella pizza!
Paul A Young
Location: 143 Wardour Street, W1F 8WA. Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Another award-winning chocolatier, Paul A Young is arguably London’s most beloved. Renowned for his creative and unusual flavor pairings, Paul A Young and his team prepare all chocolates daily in small batches, entirely by hand in the shop’s own kitchens. They use fresh ingredients—never flavorings, concentrates, essences, additives, or preservatives—and produce every flavor combination imaginable. From Marmite dark chocolate to their multi-award-winning sea salted caramel, Paul A Young on Wardour Street is essential for anyone on a chocolate journey in the capital.
So there you have it—London’s best chocolate shops. But if chocolate isn’t your thing—what’s wrong with you?!—check out our brothers at Average Joes for their list of the top alternative Christmas advent calendars 2017!
