FOR THE INTERNAL EMBRACE THAT ONLY HOT CHOCOLATE PROVIDES
ACCORDING TO PENHALIGON’S: LONDON’S BEST HOT CHOCOLATES
So, you need a cup of cocoa or two? It’s a craving that one can neither quash nor squash without proper satisfaction. And one we’ve all suffered from at some point in our lives. When winter settles like a Persian cat purring on a rug, and the Christmas season is roused by jingling bells, and life calls for the creamy decadence of a mug of hot chocolate, do not compromise, satisfy life’s demands in the proper fashion, my dear. Might we suggest a hot cocoa crawl around London, edging on all the cardinal points of the compass? Aside from a spicy fragrance, it’s the best way to get your festive fill, if we do say so ourselves.
SAID DAL 1923, SOHO
A snowball’s throw away from the bustling Carnaby Street lies Said Dal 1923. A London staple of chocolatey libations, fondues and fingers. Which is exactly what you’ll be left with should you opt for their iconic spill-over hot chocolate. And Said’s hot chocolate is simply that. Hot, melted, decadent and indulgent chocolate. In whichever shade thrills you most. Dark. Milk. White. Or a blend of all three, should you be so inclined.
IMAGE FROM @SAIDDAL1923UK
DARK SUGARS’ THE COCOA HOUSE, BRICK LANE
Pour some Dark Sugars on me. In a place where the air quivers with the scent of raw cocoa preferably. One could lie on the enormous blocks of pure chocolate and drift off to a dreamland of chocolate-induced euphoria. Or one could wander a few steps and take a seat in The Cocoa House, where Senegalese sabar spills from the speakers and mango slices coax you into a river of dark chocolate. Fetch us a napkin, won’t you? Our mouths water at the thought.
IMAGE FROM @DARKSUGARS
ROCOCO, BELGRAVIA
Elaborate in name, elaborate in nature, and exquisite in taste, as one would expect. Before even setting foot inside, a pleasant waft of warm cocoa and obliging staff greets you. Perhaps they were trained by Penhaligon’s, you might ask. Along with The Thomas Cubitt, Rococo is a common haunt to most of the Belgravia nobility, and even a few pilgrims who believe the qualities of this hot-choccy are entirely worthy of worship. And they’re not wrong, chap. Take a moment. Sit in the courtyard, if you like. Just be sure to pay proper reverence and respect to this superbly sapid drink.
IMAGE FROM @ROCOCOCHOCOLATES
CHIN CHIN ICE CREAM, CAMDEN
If it’s a velvety frisson of unbridled bliss you’re chasing, well, my merry muse, look no further. We’d recommend Chin Chin if a top-notch selfie is on your agenda too. Their rather photogenic Signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate with torched gooey marshmallow fluff is not only one that vegetarians can enjoy guilt-free, but also a mug-full of heaven that even the most resolutely seraphic soul could not refuse.
IMAGE FROM @CHINCHINICECREAM
Cool cardamom, hot pimento, salted caramel – a scent with no regard for rules.
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