Top 7 Hot Chocolates In And Around London
Since it’s been chilly in London, I’ve been sipping on hot chocolates around the capital (and around the UK) in the hopes of finding my favourite hot chocolate (and hot cocoa) to find my favourite this season.
Through my chocolate beverage journey, I’ve found that although by definition hot chocolate and hot cocoa are the same thing, that at each place I’ve been to, the drinks can be labeled differently. Some people would even beg to differ that hot chocolate and hot cocoa are not even the same thing (although the dictionary will tell us otherwise).
Hot chocolate (or cocoa) is often cocoa powder, sugar and milk whereas at some of my hot chocolate destinations, the drink was actually made from melted chocolate and milk. This makes the drink much richer, and closer to pure melted chocolate in a cup that a beverage. Either way - this chocoholic’s taste buds were having a party!
Below you can see my top 7 hot chocolates in and around London this winter.
Teatulia, Covent Garden
Out of all of the hot chocolate I drank, Teatulia was my favourite. In a glass double layered mug, tall with whipped cream - it topped my list. I would go back in a heartbeat for this, and the decor inside is beautiful. Deep red, turquoise and jewel tones with gold accents and a lovely tea bar covered in pastries (including some vegan).
Teatulia was the perfect place to warm up after a walk around the cold in Covent Garden.
The tea bar changes their foliage with the seasons and this was one of the first of my hot chocolates, and somehow also managed to be my favourite following all of the drinks I tasted.
Fait Maison, Gloucester Road
The second place on my list is Fait Maison, near Gloucester Road in West London. This spot also has to win for exterior decor as the seasonal decorations are pretty and pink, making everyone stop and snap photos outside.
This hot chocolate not only was topped with loads of whipped cream, chocolate pieces, but also had chocolate sauce dripping generously down the side of the glass.
I definitely have a thing for glass mugs as they make everything look prettier - and maybe tastier?
Book ahead for this spot as on the weekend, you can barely get a table. Unless you want to brave the cold outside and bundle up.
The Ritz Hotel, Green Park
The most glitz and glam location for a hot chocolate, served in a silver pot, on a silver tray, with tiffany blue cup and sauces - and of course a side of cinnamon cakes.
This hot chocolate was smooth, rich and perfectly filling. Not one to enjoy on the go, as The Ritz is a beautiful place to marvel over. All the tables, chairs and sofas are so comfy and perfect to watch all the people go by… in and out of the afternoon tea, over to the restaurant or just check-in for their luxurious stay.
If you can, book in for a cocktail and hot chocolate in the Rivoli Bar to get the full royal treatment.
Infinito Cafe, Notting Hill
Definitely not a place you want to hang around for ages (as you’d end up spending all your money), Infinito Cafe’s Italian hot chocolate is actually almost just melted chocolate. You can order pastries, or biscuits (I recommend biscuits to dunk in) - the combo makes for a very warming cup.
If you’re in the Notting Hill area, it’s definitely a spot to pop into. Beware, the drinks are super thick and you likely will need to take them to go…
Make sure you grab a few biscuits for the road, too!
The Yard, Faversham, Kent
This hot chocolate may not be in London, but has to make the list as it was one of the best I’ve had and 100% vegan - from the chocolate to the whipped cream (I did add some non-vegan marshmallows on top, though).
Actually overflowing once the whipped cream melted, the perfect temperature and the soft, smooth marshmallows with chocolate shavings.
They also had regular luxury hot chocolates available, with all the trimmings, too.
Although The Yard is located in Faversham, a quaint little town in SE England (just an hour from London), it’s well worth the trip down.
Bring a big jacket though - it’s breezy down there toward the coast!
Nue Ground, Clapham South
This new cafe has not only sprung up just in time for hot chocolate season (aka winter) but comes with the most perfect Pump Street hot chocolate.
You can opt to spike with a shot of rum, and of course this cute little chocolate comes with a little cookie on the side - extra chocolate for extra yumminess.
You can opt for regular hot chocolate, or vegan (whipped cream, too).
Abbeville Road makes for the perfect place to cozy up in this cold weather, so take the trip (and grab some brunch while you’re at Nue Ground, too).
Make your own hot chocolate
Although there are hundreds of cafes filled with hot chocolate’s in London - the best hot chocolate can also be found in your own home.
I opt for Clipper hot cocoa mix, made with hot oat milk, boiled on the stove - and then topped with whipped cream and either a twirl or a chocolate flake.
Of course, when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add chocolate sprinkles and mini (or giant ones!) on top.
We cozy up with a festive movie, hot chocolate or hot cocoa, twinkly little lights sparkling and a big blanket.
My favourite place to have a hot chocolate.
Some of these hot chocolates were complimentary, but all opinions are 100% my own.
