London's Best Chocolate Shops

Whether you're looking for an indulgent gift to give or a decadent treat for yourself, I've rounded up the best places to get a cocoa fix in London. Think chocolate-dipped macaroons and the most moreish of truffles...

Dark Sugars

 

Dark Sugars founder Fatou Mendy spent three years researching the art of cocoa production on a farm in Ghana before launching her shop in Brick Lane. Her tantalising creations include iridescent pearl chocolates and impossibly rich "overdose" truffles - and there are plenty of specialist options for vegans.

 

124-126 Brick Lane, E1 6RU

 

 

Pierre Marcolini

 

Belgian chocolatier and pastry chef Pierre Marcolini's Marylebone outpost is home to carousels of pastel-hued macarons and towers of éclairs in flavours ranging from lemon and bergamot to piña colada - but it's the selection boxes that make it one of the most interesting places to indulge in London.

 

37 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QE

 

 

Melt London

 

It's worth dropping into Melt London in Notting Hill just to see the house chocolatiers rolling truffles in the open kitchen, but it's impossible to leave without a box (or three). The single origin truffles are classics. Looking for an excuse to go back? Register for one of their specialist courses to learn more about the world of cacao.

 

59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA

 

 

 

Rococo Chocolates

 

Founded in 1983, Rococo now has shops dotted around the city - but the original site on the King's Road in Chelsea is still a favourite thanks to its mesmerising displays of nougat, truffles, and pralines. Don't forget the beautifully-packaged artisan bars, which come in flavours ranging from rose to basil and Persian lime.

 

321 Kings Road, SW3 5EP

 

 

Pierre Hermé

 

Pierre Hermé began training as a pastry chef in Paris at just 14 years old. 42 years later, and he has his own confectionary empire - with a cult following based around his pistachio macaroons. Make a pilgrimage to his shop in Seven Dials. The chocolate bonbons are the ultimate hostess gift.

 

38 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9EP