London’s not short of chocolatiers, and while luxury names dominate department stores and high streets, the true treasures lie in the independents. These small-scale artisans craft confections with vivid, distinct flavours, ethically sourced ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Below are three of our favourites, each of which offers more of a personal touch than picking up another Lindt box in the supermarket.
William Curley
Across London, williamcurley.co.uk
The pleasingly named William and Melissa Curley opened their first boutique in 2004, with William having worked under the likes of Pierre Koffmann and Raymond Blanc at some of London’s leading hotels. Today, his list of awards is long and his chocolates truly coveted. Each couverture used is Amedei, a small Tuscan producer considered by many to be the best bean to bar producer in the world. Curley’s creations have made himself, in turn, world-famous.
Charbonnel et Walker
Bond Street, charbonnel.co.uk
Established in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker is London’s oldest surviving chocolate shop and a devout purveyor of luxury treats. First encouraged by Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, the Parisian chocolatier Madame Charbonnel began working with Mrs Walker, a maker of fine jewellery boxes, and together they built something beautiful. Here, chocolates are indulgent and endlessly creative. It’s little wonder Wallis Simpson, Lauren Bacall and Noel Coward were all regular customers.
Prestat
Mayfair, prestat.com
Some credit a protege of the great chef Auguste Escoffier with creating the first chocolate truffle sometime in the 1920s. Prestat claims its founder, the master chocolatier Antoine Dufour, invented the delicacy in 1895. Whatever the origin story, Prestat remains one of London’s grandest and most spectacular shops, selling truffles, fondants and caramels all made with single origin couverture from Cote d’Ivoire. Here’s a tip: if nothing else, get a box of the sea salt thins. They are little discs of heaven.
