Eating & Drinking

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. Website 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. Website 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. Website 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, with an optional boost of Frangelico; it’s kind of like a chocolate espresso. They've even got a hot chocolate fondue. Website 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. Website 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. Website Hampstead 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. Website 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. The pistachio hot chocolate, in particular, gets a lot of love. Website Notting 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. Website 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. Website Peckham Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse Another gorgeous chocolate shop with some jaw-dropping creations, including this thick and velvety hot chocolate. Website 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. Website 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. Website Notting Hill, Holland Park While we do our best to ensure everything here is correct, information is subject to change. This article was first published on 1st December 2024; last updated 1st January 2026.

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