London’s love affair with chocolate runs deep. The city isn’t just home to corner-shop treats and imported brands. it boasts a thriving artisan scene of independent and heritage chocolate companies crafting some of the finest confections in the world. Whether you’re drawn to bean-to-bar transparency, luxury gifting, or adventurous flavour fusions, there’s a chocolate haven waiting for you in the capital.
From Soho to Notting Hill, the city’s chocolatiers embrace sustainable practices, experimental design, and irresistible taste. In this guide to the Top 10 Chocolate Companies in London, we explore the very best in craftsmanship, flavour, and indulgence. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or simply treating yourself, these chocolatiers deliver excellence in every bite.
What Are the Most Popular Chocolate Trends in London?
Rise of Bean-to-Bar Craftsmanship
In London, the bean-to-bar trend is thriving, with chocolatiers managing each step from raw cocoa to finished product for maximum quality and transparency. This trend promotes quality, transparency, and a more intimate understanding of chocolate’s origins.
Inclusion of Botanical and Herbal Notes
A growing number of chocolate makers now blend floral and herbal infusions into their products. Lavender, cardamom, rosemary, and even thyme are being creatively paired with dark and milk chocolates to deliver sophisticated flavours.
The Return of Retro Sweets
Nostalgia is making a comeback. Many chocolatiers are creating modern takes on childhood favourites, such as chocolate-dipped honeycomb, retro-style chocolate bars, and even old-fashioned truffles with a contemporary twist.
How Are London Chocolate Companies Embracing Sustainability?
Packaging With Purpose
Many of London’s top chocolate companies have committed to eco-friendly packaging. Melt Chocolates, for example, uses plastic-free, recyclable materials. Hotel Chocolat has also developed a zero-waste initiative for its packaging line.
Ethical Cocoa Sourcing
Brands like Hotel Chocolat and Pierre Marcolini directly source cocoa from small-scale farms, often at premium rates that ensure fair compensation. These direct-trade relationships help promote sustainability at the farm level.
Localised Production Models
Smaller companies like Paul A. Paul A. Young and Rococo Chocolates handcraft their creations in-house, promoting sustainability and supporting the local economy.
What Are the Top 10 Chocolate Companies in London?
1. Artisan du Chocolat – “Reinventing British Luxury One Truffle at a Time”
Artisan du Chocolat is known for pushing flavour boundaries while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. From absinthe and lemongrass to classic salted caramel, their creations offer both visual appeal and a sensory experience.
With production based in Kent and retail reach across London, the brand offers both in-store elegance and online convenience. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and fresh ingredients positions them at the intersection of sophistication and sustainability.
Signature Style
Minimalist design with flavour-first creations
Most Loved By
Luxury gift buyers and adventurous palates
Pricing: £15–£65 gift boxes
- Website: www.lartisanducoin.co.uk
- Address: SW3 Knightsbridge London
- Email: hello@lartisanducoin.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their truffles are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted—bold but balanced.”
2. Hotel Chocolat – “Everyday Luxury with a Conscience”
Hotel Chocolat is a household name in the UK, known for making gourmet chocolate accessible without sacrificing ethics. Hotel Chocolat sources directly from its own plantation in Saint Lucia, ensuring complete transparency in the chocolate-making journey.
Stores across London offer everything from chocolate slabs and cocoa nibs to ice cream and hot drinks. Their “School of Chocolate” and cafés elevate the customer experience, making them more than just a shop.
Craft Focus
Sustainable bean-to-bar production
Ideal For
Corporate gifts and seasonal hampers
Pricing: £10–£150, depending on range
- Website: www.hotelchocolat.com/uk
- Phone: +44 020 7833 3195
- Address: Unit CG 05 B, Kings Cross Station, London N1C 4AP
- Email: help@hotelchocolat.com
Review: ★★★★★
“Fantastic selection, and I love their ethical story. A gift that feels good to give!”
3. Rococo Chocolates – “Heritage Meets Whimsy in Every Bite”
Founded in 1983, Rococo Chocolates has earned a reputation for pairing classic English flavours with imaginative presentation. Their distinctive blue-and-white packaging pays homage to French antique tiles, while the chocolates inside infused with rose, chilli, or sea salt are crafted with certified organic ingredients. Their boutiques in Belgravia and Marylebone are immersive and offer chocolate-making classes and tastings.
Signature Element
Handcrafted organic chocolates with British character
Best Choice For
Whimsical packaging and organic purity
Pricing: £12–£80 per box
- Website: www.rococochocolates.com
- Phone: +44 20 7245 0993
- Address: 3 Moxon St, London W1U 4EP
- Email: marketing@rococochocolates.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“The most elegant chocolate box I’ve ever received—almost too pretty to open!”
4. Paul A. Young – “Pushing the Boundaries of Chocolate Flavour”
Paul A. Young is a master chocolatier known for his avant-garde approach. Each chocolate is handmade in small batches using fresh ingredients, without preservatives. His Soho boutique is an experimental lab of sorts, offering unexpected flavours like marmite truffles or goat cheese ganache. His firm belief in innovation has made him a favourite among food critics and adventurous eaters alike.
Artistic Flair
Daily-fresh, preservative-free chocolate
Recommended For
Foodies seeking daring flavour combos
Pricing: £2–£55 depending on selection
- Website: Shop.paulayoung.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7424 5750
- Address: 33 Camden Passage , London, United Kingdom
- Email: info@paulayoung.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Absolutely mind-blowing flavours—truly a chocolate artist.”
5. Dark Sugars – “Ghanaian Cocoa with London Soul”
Dark Sugars started on Brick Lane and quickly became a cultural hotspot. Their chocolates are deeply rooted in West African cocoa traditions, using raw ingredients imported directly from Ghana.
Their shop is bursting with handcrafted truffles, chocolate-coated nuts, and generous hot chocolates topped with chocolate curls. The aroma alone makes this store unforgettable.
Flavour Identity
West African heritage & bold cocoa profiles
Top Pick For
Warmth, authenticity, and immersive experience
Pricing: £4–£40
- Website: www.darksugars.co.uk
- Phone: +44 020 8264 0058
- Address: 141 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SB
- Email: info@darksugars.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Stepping into Dark Sugars feels like entering chocolate heaven.”
6. Melt Chocolates – “Where Chocolate Is Handmade Live”
Melt Chocolates blends indulgence with transparency. Situated in Notting Hill, their boutique features an open kitchen where you can watch chocolatiers in action. Their collections include sea salt caramels, dark ganaches, and even fresh truffles made daily. Every product is crafted using sustainable techniques and comes in plastic-free packaging.
Key Offering
Live chocolate-making and seasonal flavours
Great Option For
Eco-conscious luxury seekers
Pricing: £8–£60
- Website: www.meltchocolates.com
- Phone: +44 2083544504
- Address: 59 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA
- Email: lovemelt@meltchocolates.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“It’s a sensory journey—the open kitchen makes you appreciate every bite.”
7. Charbonnel et Walker – “Royal Warrant, Regal Taste”
Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker stands among the UK’s most esteemed and historic chocolatiers. Located in the Royal Arcade off Bond Street, the shop’s Victorian-style elegance is only matched by its classic offerings think rose creams and champagne truffles. It’s even a favourite of the Royal Family.
Defining Trait
Vintage charm and a Royal Warrant
Ideal For
Classy gifts and traditional recipes
Pricing: £15–£95
- Website: www.charbonnel.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7318 2075
- Address: One, 28 The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, London W1S 4BT
- Email: enquiries@charbonnel.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“It’s tradition in a box—elegant, delicate, and perfectly British.”
8. Prestat – “A Century of Colourful Chocolate Delight”
Prestat, founded in 1902, is best known for inventing the chocolate truffle. Their packaging is bright, theatrical, and whimsical, making it ideal for celebratory occasions.
Using organic and fair-trade cocoa, Prestat blends old-world recipes with new-age ethics. Sold at Fortnum & Mason, Prestat continues to represent the rich legacy of British chocolate craftsmanship.
Chocolate Charm
Playful packaging with royal roots
Best Choice For
Quirky, colourful gifts with tradition
Pricing: £10–£70
- Website: www.prestat.com
- Phone: +44 20 7629 4838
- Address: 14 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6DS
- Email: Ecommerce@prestat.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“The chocolate is as joyful as the packaging—delightfully different.”
9. Pierre Marcolini – “Belgian Precision in a London Box”
Pierre Marcolini is a name synonymous with luxury. Though Belgian, his London boutique in Marylebone offers bean-to-bar creations crafted with rare cocoa from Peru, Madagascar, and Venezuela. Every piece is refined, minimalist, and full of delicate notes that evolve with each bite.
Refinement Level
Global cocoa meets haute-couture chocolate
Ideal For
Sophisticated palates and gourmet gifting
Pricing: £25–£120
- Website:www.marcolini.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7486 5977
- Address: 37 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4EQ
- Email: customerservice@marcolini.com
Review: ★★★★★
Refined, velvety, and luxurious Pierre Marcolini’s creations are designed for the discerning chocolate lover.
10. Knoops – “Hot Chocolate. Customised.”
Knoops redefines the drinking chocolate experience. With over 20 cocoa percentages and custom add-ons like sea salt or orange zest, customers can personalise every cup. It’s not your typical chocolatier, but its curated range of powders and bars make it a destination for hot chocolate lovers.
Chocolate Culture
Curated hot chocolate blends
Perfect For
Winter warmers and cocoa enthusiasts
Pricing: £4–£45
- Website: www.knoops.co.uk
- Phone: +44 0330 053 2326
- Address: 2 New Row, London WC2N 4LH
- Email: hello@knoops.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
” Knoops’ cocoa blends redefine hot chocolate as a rich, high-end sipping experience.“
Where Can You Experience Chocolate Tastings in London?
In-Store Tastings at Boutique Shops
Many luxury boutiques, including Rococo Chocolates and Artisan du Chocolat, offer informal tasting counters. Expert chocolatiers offer insights into flavour notes, cocoa origins, and ideal pairings during in-store tastings.
Chocolate-Making Workshops
Melt Chocolates and Hotel Chocolat run immersive classes where guests learn how to temper, mould, and decorate their own chocolates perfect for team outings or romantic dates.
Seasonal Tasting Events
Throughout the year, chocolate companies in London participate in seasonal festivals, Valentine’s Day showcases, and holiday tasting experiences. These events often feature exclusive flavours not sold in-store.
What Role Does Technology Play in Modern Chocolate Making?
Temperature-Controlled Crafting
Precision is everything in premium chocolate production. Advanced tempering machines and cooling systems are used by companies like Pierre Marcolini to ensure a smooth, glossy finish and the perfect snap.
Digital Customisation
Brands are using e-commerce platforms to allow customers to personalise chocolate boxes, gift packaging, and even flavour selections online. This blend of tech and craftsmanship improves accessibility and convenience.
Smart Inventory & Sustainability
Some companies integrate inventory-tracking software to reduce overproduction and food waste. Smart forecasting tools help them prepare for seasonal surges more sustainably.
How Important Is London’s Cultural Influence on Chocolate Innovation?
Fusion Flavours Reflecting Diversity
London’s multicultural identity directly influences chocolate flavours. Truffles infused with masala chai, matcha, tahini, and yuzu are common in boutiques, celebrating the city’s global tastes.
Artistic and Storytelling Packaging
Design-led chocolate boxes inspired by British heritage, literature, or local artists are becoming signature pieces for brands like Rococo and Prestat, making chocolate gifting more meaningful.
Celebration of Local Ingredients
Many chocolatiers now incorporate British ingredients like Cornish sea salt, English lavender, and Kentish raspberries into their creations, supporting local agriculture and showcasing regional flavours.
Conclusion
London is more than just a global capital. it’s a melting pot of chocolate excellence. From long-established chocolatiers with Royal Warrants to edgy newcomers experimenting with flavours and ethical sourcing, the city offers a rich tapestry of cocoa creativity.
Each chocolate company featured in this guide brings something unique to the table: be it artisan craftsmanship, commitment to sustainability, or cutting-edge design. Whether you’re wandering the boutiques of Notting Hill, sipping hot chocolate in Soho, or shopping online for a curated gift box, London delivers a world-class chocolate experience.
So whether you’re a connoisseur, a gift buyer, or someone who simply loves a good bar of chocolate these London-based companies are guaranteed to leave a lasting (and delicious) impression.
FAQs About Chocolate Companies in London
What is the best chocolate company in London for luxury gifting?
Charbonnel et Walker and Pierre Marcolini are top picks for elegant, high-end chocolate gifts.
Which London chocolate shops offer vegan-friendly options?
Hotel Chocolat, Melt, and Paul A. Young offer excellent vegan chocolate selections.
Where can I learn how to make chocolate in London?
Melt Chocolates and Rococo Chocolates host popular in-store chocolate-making workshops.
Are any chocolate companies in London ethically certified?
Absolutely companies like Hotel Chocolat, Prestat, and Rococo are committed to fair trade and ethical cocoa sourcing.
Which chocolate shop is known for the best hot chocolate in London?
Knoops is famous for its rich, customisable hot chocolate blends.
Do these chocolate companies offer international shipping?
Yes, most companies like Hotel Chocolat, Artisan du Chocolat, and Prestat ship globally.
What’s the most unique chocolate flavour available in London?
Paul A. Young’s marmite truffle is one of the most unusual and iconic flavours in the city.