Cocoa Capital: The Top 10 Chocolate Shops in London

Here are 10 of the best chocolate shops in London right now—where craft, creativity, and a little indulgence come wrapped in gold foil and cocoa dust.

1. Pierre Marcolini – Marylebone & Harrods

Belgian precision, haute couture presentation

Pierre Marcolini's London boutique feels more like a fine jewellery showroom than a chocolate shop. Expect impeccably designed pralines, truffles and filled bars with bold, global flavours—think yuzu, Iranian pistachio, and Madagascan vanilla. A go-to for edible gifts that say "I have excellent taste."

Must-try: Raspberry Heart Box or the signature Grand Cru single-origin ganaches.

2. Artisan du Chocolat – Chelsea & Selfridges

Luxury meets innovation

This London-based chocolatier is known for its smooth, subtle flavour infusions and its elegant black-and-gold packaging. Their famed salted caramels are borderline addictive, and their experimental bars—like lemongrass and chilli or absinthe and mint—keep things exciting.

Must-try: Original Salted Caramels.

3. Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse – Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross

French technique, bean-to-bar brilliance

Michelin-starred mastery meets cocoa obsession at Alain Ducasse’s Coal Drops Yard boutique. Every chocolate is crafted at his Parisian Manufacture, with the kind of care, balance and detail you’d expect from one of the world’s most revered chefs. Flavours lean classic and powerful, with a focus on single-origin beans and dark, intense ganaches.

Must-try: Praliné à l’Ancienne or the 75% Peruvian bar.

4. Charbonnel et Walker – Mayfair

The grande dame of British chocolate

Established in 1875 and one of the few chocolatiers to hold a Royal Warrant, Charbonnel et Walker is quintessential British chocolate glamour. Housed in a tiny pastel-pink shop in the Royal Arcade, this is where you come for Champagne truffles, rose creams, and Edwardian-level elegance.

Must-try: Pink Champagne Truffles in the signature round box.

5. Hotel Chocolat – Multiple Locations

Accessible luxury with a sustainable soul

With shops across London, Hotel Chocolat strikes a rare balance: ethically sourced, stylishly packaged, and genuinely delicious. Their bean-to-bar approach (including a working cocoa plantation in St Lucia) means you can feel good while devouring those dark slabs and filled caramels.

Must-try: Billionaire’s Shortbread Selector and anything from their Rare & Vintage range.

6. Melt Chocolates – Notting Hill

Handmade, fresh, and fashion-forward

Nestled among the boutique-filled lanes of Notting Hill, Melt makes its chocolate fresh on site every day. Their flavour combinations are clean and contemporary—think matcha, rose, or coconut and cardamom. The shop doubles as an open kitchen, so you can watch the magic unfold while you nibble.

Must-try: Sea Salted Caramel Bar or the seasonal tasting boxes.

7. Knoops – Covent Garden & Kensington

The chocolate bar for drinks people

More than just a hot chocolate shop, Knoops is a full-on chocolate tasting bar—where the menu reads like a wine list. Pick your cacao percentage (from 28% white to 100% dark), add spices, orange zest, or sea salt, and sip something extraordinary. It’s indulgent, educational, and highly addictive.

Must-try: 70% hot chocolate with chilli and cinnamon.

8. Rococo Chocolates – Belgravia & Marylebone

Whimsical, charming, unmistakably British

With its playful blue-and-white packaging, botanical themes, and antique-tiled interiors, Rococo feels like the Wes Anderson of the chocolate world. Their chocolates, however, are all substance beneath the style—handmade and rich in character, with bold seasonal flavour rotations and unexpected savoury notes.

Must-try: Cardamom White Chocolate or the Basil & Persian Lime dark bar.

9. William Curley – Soho

East-meets-West, British luxury meets Japanese refinement

Award-winning chocolatier William Curley brings artistry and discipline to every creation. With a deep appreciation for classic French patisserie and a love of Japanese ingredients, his Soho boutique is a haven for elegant treats—think matcha truffles, miso caramels, and hand-tempered bars with exquisite balance.

Must-try: Japanese-inspired Selection Box or the Black Sesame & Yuzu truffle.

10. Prestat – Piccadilly

Willy Wonka meets Buckingham Palace

Another Royal Warrant holder, Prestat is a jewel box of eccentric British sweetness. Housed in a fuchsia-pink Piccadilly shop, its truffles are rich, silky, and beautifully packaged. Founded in 1902 and supposedly a favourite of Roald Dahl himself, this place feels like stepping into a storybook.

Must-try: Red Velvet Truffles or the Gin & Tonic Chocolate Bar.