To get a real taste of a city, sometimes it’s necessary to sample its edible wares. And what better ware to taste than chocolate? London boasts an array of magical emporiums filled with dangerously delicious chocolaty treats in all shapes, sizes and guises — from all-around people-pleasers to the weird and wonderful. For the very best offerings, pop by one of the city’s home-grown finest:
“Best Sea Salted Caramel in the World” is quite an accolade to scoop. But after a spoonful of Paul A Young’s sea-salted caramel sauce straight from the jar, or a bite of one of the truffles, you’ll understand why the International Chocolate Awards crowned this London chocolatier with the award. Paul Young, a former pastry chef for Marco Pierre White, launched his first store in North London’s Camden Passage in 2006 before following with his flagship boutique on Wardour Street, Soho (much to the demise of my pay-day check, since the shop is just a stone’s throw from my office). Seven years later, with three store launches under his belt, Young remains one of the city’s most championed for his talent and experimentation with cocoa. His wonderful — and in some cases, bizarre-sounding (tobacco anyone?) — selection of chocolates are handmade on the premises, using fresh spices, essential oils and exotic fruits. Plus, the showstopping arrangement is carefully organized on a round table for customers to peruse and create bespoke boxes to suit their or the lucky recipients’ tastes. 143 Wardour Street, Soho; 33 Camden Passage, Islington; 20 The Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street
These chocolates are so good that treasured children’s author Roald Dahl declared his adoration for them in his autobiographical recipe book, Memories with Food at Gipsy House, and they received the royal nod from both the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, ensuring their place at every major state banquet. Prestat has been delighting taste buds with its exquisitely packaged chocolates since 1902, when the descendents of the man behind the world’s first recorded chocolate truffle, Louis Dufour, opened it in London. If walking into its bright, candy-colored shop in Piccadilly isn’t enough to lift the spirits, then a taste of one of its delicious chocolates, truffles, bars or thins is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. 14 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly
A collaboration from Joel Bernstein, former head of concept at iconic London store Liberty, and fashion consultant Walid al Damirji, the chic Cocomaya boasts a mountainous range of beautifully packaged chocolate bars, truffles and gift-worthy goods, in an array of interesting varieties. For example, an around-the-world-themed range features a New York sea-salt pretzel bar and an Amsterdam liquorice-and-hemp bar. Pop into one of its four South and West London-based shops, which boast cozy, antique décor. 12 Connaught Street; 3 Porchester Place; 235 Brompton Road; Unit 10, 186 Pavilion Road
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first outpost of this chocolate shop, which opened its doors on Kings Road, Belgravia, on March 11, 1983. Three more stores and four recently accrued gold stars from the Academy of Chocolate later (among many other industry awards collected over the years), and it’s clear that founder Chantal Coady has achieved her goal of “inspiring engagement of the senses that such a delectable delight deserved.” Among those inspired by this pretty chocolate boutique is author Joanne Harris, whose main character in the novel-turned-film Chocolat is said to have been based on Coady. The outpost is well worth a visit, whether you want to try your hand at the onsite chocolate school for budding chocolatiers or simply window shop — though it’d require some serious restraint to walk away without one of Rococo’s beautifully illustrated packages. 5 Motcomb Street; 45 Marylebone High Street; 321 Kings Road
Photos Courtesy of Paul A Young, Prestat Chocolates and Cocomaya
