Best Chocolate Shops London: A Complete Cocoa Lover’s Guide
London’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity and decadence, and when it comes to chocolate, the capital certainly does not disappoint. Whether you’re after luxury truffles, bean-to-bar creations, or vegan-friendly indulgences, the city is brimming with options that satisfy every cocoa craving.
From historic chocolatiers to modern artisans, this guide explores the best chocolate shops in London, where you’ll find the finest sweet treats crafted with passion and expertise.
1. Prestat – Royal-Approved Chocolate Elegance
📍Location: Princes Arcade, Piccadilly
🍫 Speciality: Luxury truffles, rose and violet creams
Prestat has been a staple of London’s chocolate culture since 1902. Holding a Royal Warrant and once a favourite of Roald Dahl, this historic chocolatier offers an old-world charm with exquisite packaging and timeless recipes. Their rose and violet creams are especially loved by traditionalists.
Must-Try: Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles – the perfect gift and indulgence.
2. Rococo Chocolates – Artisanal and Organic Excellence
📍Locations: Belgravia, Chelsea, Marylebone
🍫 Speciality: Organic, handmade chocolates with unique flavours
Founded in 1983, Rococo Chocolates is synonymous with artistic flair and ethical sourcing. Their chocolates are beautifully packaged, often inspired by antique French designs. They also host workshops and tastings for those looking to dive deeper into chocolate-making.
Must-Try: Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Artisan Bar – a delightful balance of sweet and savoury.
3. Melt – Fresh Luxury in Notting Hill
📍Location: Ledbury Road, Notting Hill
🍫 Speciality: Freshly made chocolates on-site
Melt is all about freshness. Their open kitchens allow you to watch the chocolatiers in action. They champion sustainability, using natural ingredients with no preservatives. From bonbons to chocolate-dipped fruits, everything is made daily.
Must-Try: Passionfruit and Mango Bonbons – a tropical twist to classic ganache.
4. Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates – Inventive Flavour Alchemy
📍Location: Camden Passage, Islington
🍫 Speciality: Unconventional flavour pairings, award-winning innovation
Paul A. Young is one of the UK’s most celebrated chocolatiers. Known for pushing boundaries with bold and unexpected flavours, his chocolates often include ingredients like port, balsamic vinegar, or marmite. The shop has an artisan laboratory vibe and a strong following.
Must-Try: Salted Caramel Truffles – a multiple award-winning creation.
5. Hotel Chocolat – Accessible Luxury Across the City
📍Multiple Locations: Covent Garden, Borough Market, Oxford Street, and more
🍫 Speciality: Wide selection of ethically sourced chocolates and gifts
With locations throughout London, Hotel Chocolat makes quality chocolate accessible to everyone. They offer a range from affordable treats to luxurious hampers, and also run Rabot 1745, a cocoa-themed restaurant in Borough Market.
Must-Try: Velvetiser Drinking Chocolate – rich, barista-style hot chocolate at home.
6. Pierre Marcolini – Belgian Perfection in Marylebone
📍Location: Marylebone High Street
🍫 Speciality: High-end Belgian pralines, single-origin bars
Pierre Marcolini brings a taste of Belgium to London with meticulously crafted chocolates using beans from around the globe. His focus on bean-to-bar production ensures control over quality and flavour from start to finish.
Must-Try: Grand Cru Truffles – elegant, intense, and ultra-refined.
7. Dark Sugars – A Sensory Celebration in Brick Lane
📍Location: Brick Lane, Shoreditch
🍫 Speciality: West African-inspired chocolates and dramatic displays
Dark Sugars is more than a chocolate shop – it’s an experience. With generous curls of chocolate piled on hot drinks and a vibrant range of truffles and pearls, this shop celebrates cocoa heritage, particularly from Ghana.
Must-Try: Spiced Hot Chocolate – layered with rich chocolate shavings and a hint of chilli.
8. Charbonnel et Walker – A Taste of Royal Tradition
📍Location: Royal Arcade, Bond Street
🍫 Speciality: Classic English chocolates in ornate boxes
Established in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker is one of the oldest chocolatiers in Britain and is another holder of a Royal Warrant. Their elegantly boxed assortments are perfect for gifting or self-indulgence.
Must-Try: English Rose & Violet Creams – delicate, floral, and quintessentially British.
9. Cocoa Runners – Curated Bean-to-Bar Excellence
📍Online & events in London
🍫 Speciality: Curated selection of bean-to-bar chocolates from around the world
While not a traditional shopfront, Cocoa Runners is essential for bean-to-bar aficionados. They offer curated subscriptions and regularly host tastings and chocolate pairing events across London. Perfect for discovering rare and ethical chocolate brands.
Must-Try: Monthly Discovery Box – expertly selected global chocolate delivered to your door.
10. Venchi – Italian Indulgence in Covent Garden
📍Location: Covent Garden
🍫 Speciality: Italian chocolate, gelato, and fountains
Venchi brings Italian flair to London, with decadent gianduja (chocolate-hazelnut) spreads, artisanal bars, and an eye-catching chocolate waterfall in-store. A great mix of gelato and chocolate products for all ages.
Must-Try: Cremino Bar – a creamy, layered delight of chocolate and hazelnut.
Tips for Visiting London’s Chocolate Shops
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and Valentine’s Day are peak seasons, with special editions and luxurious hampers widely available.
- Tasting Events: Many shops host tastings or offer samples. Check websites or social media for upcoming events.
- Gifting Options: Most chocolatiers offer beautifully boxed selections that make perfect presents.
- Dietary Needs: Vegan and gluten-free options are widely available, especially at Melt, Rococo, and Dark Sugars.
Why London is a Chocolate Lover’s Paradise
London’s chocolate scene is an evolving blend of tradition, innovation, and global influence. Whether you crave centuries-old English recipes, bold West African spices, or refined Belgian craftsmanship, there’s something in every borough for chocolate enthusiasts. With options ranging from high-end boutiques to quirky local gems, exploring the best chocolate shops in London is a deliciously rewarding adventure.
Final Thought:
Whether you’re gifting a loved one or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, London’s finest chocolate shops promise an unforgettable journey of flavour, texture, and artisan elegance.
