It’s that time of year again, when we swap jackets, picnics and ice cream for big coats, winter markets and the best hot chocolate in London.
We’ve picked our favourites from across London, but do check out those with multiple sites (particularly Badiani and Knoops) as there may well be one in your area.
Central London
Italian Bear
Have your drink made with milk, dark or gianduia chocolate, then spice it up with cinnamon, ginger, chilli, cardamom or black pepper. Now for the real game-changer. Add their Triple Chocolate – milk, white and dark chocolate, melted and ladled down the sides of your cup. It doesn’t get any more decadent.
Soho, Fitzrovia
Bar Termini
Bar Termini may be best known for its gravity-defying Negronis but it also serves up great coffee – and a killer hot chocolate. Their Cioccolato is made with 70% chocolate and steamed milk, plus lots of Italian style, in a genuine Soho institution.
Soho
William Curley
Dark and sophisticated, this is hot chocolate for grown-ups. The hazelnut gianduja is particularly good, as is the spiced Mayan hot chocolate, but don’t miss the Aztec with a gently warming note of chilli. The shop itself is a find, situated in a pretty fairy-lit courtyard; grab a seat here and it’s hard to believe that the bustling streets of Soho are just a few feet away.
Soho
Gelupo
The gelato here is justifiably known throughout London (it made our list of favourite gelato spots) and, like many of its Italian cousins, the coffee and hot chocolate is also on point. If frothy, marshmallowy versions are not your thing, pop in here for a rich and intense hot chocolate shot; it’s kind of like a chocolate espresso.
Soho
North London
Chin Chin Labs
Warm up with Chin Chin’s signature hot chocolate, dramatically topped with a tower of torched gooey marshmallow fluff – don’t worry too much about the mess, it comes with a bowl and spoon (probably best not to wear a white top, though). More for the gram than the gourmets but hugely popular; be prepared to queue.
Camden, Soho
The Nook
This cute little cafe on the edge of Hampstead Heath serves up an unusually good hot chocolate. Choose your chocolate to customise your drink, from a light and creamy 28% white to a rich and intense 80% dark.
Hampstead
Ruby Violet
With a dedicated hot chocolate menu, these guys take their chocolate seriously – and it shows. We love the extra little touches of a bougie gold teacup and a customised treat on the side: the dark chocolate and Valencia orange comes with candied orange peel, the white chocolate and hazelnut with hazelnut brittle, and the dark chcolate and mint with a mint Matchmaker.
You can add a range of toppings – think whipped cream, crushed meringues or honeycomb – or go hard and add a slug of spiced rum.
King’s Cross
East London
Dark Sugars
From their original home in Bethnal Green, Dark Sugars have opened a chocolate palace in Greenwich. (Okay, it’s actually called The Cacao House, but it’s four whole floors of sweet chocolatey goodness.) Founder Nyanga has done some serious research into her craft but the vibe here is very relaxed and feel-good, with African beats and decor. The hot chocolate is made with Ghanaian cocoa and topped with an elegantly spiky tumble of milk, white and dark chocolate curls. Like many of the establishments on here, if you get hooked you can buy it by the packet to take away and make at home.
Bethnal Green, Greenwich
Badiani
A good option if you are in the Docklands area, as there are three branches of Badiani for all your winter beverage needs. Don’t miss the other sites across town though; not only is the hot chocolate delicious and served from a fountain but the decor is almost as sweet, vibrant and uplifting: the Angel site is painted a hot pink, Notting Hill a deep royal blue, Covent Garden a sunshine yellow, Chelsea a burnt orange.
WebsiteNotting Hill, Mayfair, Chelsea, Angel, Covent Garden, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, Wood Wharf, Elephant & Castle, Elephant Park, White City, Hampstead
Andrea Cacao
This much-loved Columbia Road stalwart is a favourite refuelling stop for punters from the flower market. Her delicious thick and creamy hand-whisked hot chocolate is made from award-winning Columbian chocolate.
Columbia Road
South London
Melange
This cup of French-style chocolatey goodness comes with a number of foodie fans and a dash of mystery; a top secret recipe. Founded by an artisan chocolatier, Melange not only sells hot chocolate, chocolate bars, buttons and truffles but also runs some cool masterclasses and events, including a chocolate and wine tasting workshop.
Peckham
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
Another gorgeous chocolate shop with some jaw-dropping creations, including this thick and velvety hot chocolate.
Borough
West London
Knoops
Choose from their full range of chocolate, from 28% white chocolate to 100% extra dark. There are brief tasting notes to help you decide, for example the Venezuelan 43% single origin is ‘smooth with notes of hazelnuts & butterscotch’, whereas the 85% single origin from Colombia is ‘floral & fruity with notes of vanilla & pepper’.
Knoops, who specialise in chocolate drinks, will then mix your chocolate of choice with milk and extra flavours like sea salt, orange zest or chilli into a bespoke hot chocolate, served with a marshmallow square.
Chelsea, Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, Kensington High Street, Covent Garden
Melt
This boutique chocolate shop sells the most beautiful gifts, hampers and chocolate experiences as well as rich, thick and indulgent hot chocolate. It’s all about the senses; prepare to be tempted.
Notting Hill, Holland Park
