chocoholics
More and more dedicated chocolate shops are opening in the capital. Sonia Soltani takes us on a tour of the very best
Winter is framed by two chocolate-friendly dates — Christmas and Valentine’s Day. London has many exclusive chocolatiers catering for these celebrations, but they’re a feast for the eye and palate regardless of the season. One is William Curley who, with his wife Suzue, runs two shops in London, one in Richmond and the other in Belgravia. The Japanese-inspired store has a chocolate counter featuring traditional flavours and experimental creations such as Japanese black vinegar and apricot and wasabi. Curley also offers mini masterclasses to learn how to make truffles and sea salt caramel.
Rococo School of Chocolate in Belgravia is another place where adults and children can get initiated in the art of chocolate-making. Rococo also offers its creations at its other stores on Kings Road in Chelsea and Marylebone High Street.
In addition to this, gourmets can discover Marc Demarquette’s new Great British Orchard Collection at his store in Fulham. It features flavours such as Yorkshire rhubarb, Kentish pear, Devon strawberry and Cornish sea salt.
Not a British chocolatier, but with an established reputation and beautiful store on Piccadilly, La Maison du Chocolat recently launched a special range to mark its New York store’s 20th anniversary with flavours such as blueberry, pecan, bourbon whisky and cranberry. A newcomer on the luxury chocolate market, Pourtoi has a completely new offering: dairy- and gluten-free chocolates suitable for the vegan, lactose intolerant and people on hallal and kosher diets, which makes them the perfect gift. With elegant packaging and a succulent range, the company won a Gold Award from the Guild of Fine Food’s 2010 Great Taste Awards for its salted caramel chocolate.
The street entertainers of Covent Garden must first audition in front of the square's management before they are allowed to hit the streets - the only area in London where this happens.