The best chocolate shops in London

Inspired by cocoa traditions in West Africa and South America, Dark Sugars is a destination for handcrafted artisan chocolates, including vegan options. Chocolatey aromas fill the air and the place is notorious for its rich and indulgent hot chocolate. Choose boxes or individual chocolates with inspiring flavours and smart presentation.

Renowned Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse is also an expert chocolatier. You can try his wares at Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse. These spaces have a traditional feel and are filled with a wide range of treats. Choose from boxes, bars, and gifts, as well as decadent chocolate spreads to make breakfast extra special.

Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker was one of the country's first specialist chocolatiers. This classic brand is known around the world for its tempting truffles in particular. Boxed up in sophisticated packaging, a box of these treats is an ideal gift for any special occasion.

Shop for chocolates in West London at Melt Chocolates. In these bright and sophisticated boutiques you can shop for artisan handmade chocolates produced on-site, including hampers and gifts. Everything is packaged in colourful and smart boxes. These welcoming stores also offer a variety of chocolate-making classes, including events for children.

Belgian chocolatiers Neuhaus started out in 1857 and were the original inventors of the praline. There are several timeless places to buy their chocolates in London. You'll find gifts, bars, and chocolate snacks all prepared using natural ingredients and sustainable cocoa. The packaging is also sustainable.

Belgian chocolatier Godiva is recognised around the world. These stores offer elegant boxes and hampers that make fabulous gifts, as well as chocolate bars for treating yourself. The setting is sleek and upscale. You can also indulge in fresh strawberries dipped in rich chocolate here.

Shop for fine British chocolates and elegant cakes at William Curley. The boutique is modern and colourful and stocks chocolates for every occasion. There are boxes for gifting and limited edition chocolates with unique flavours like tequila. You can also get slabs, truffles, and treats like cinder toffee.

Well-established Rococo Chocolates has been making indulgent chocolates using sustainable practices for over 40 years. The shops have a bold and quirky style with patterned wallpaper and shelves lined up with colourful bars and chocolate gifts, plus you can build your perfect hamper. This place is also well-known for its hot chocolate.

Established in Turin in the 19th century, Venchi Chocolate & Gelato is still going strong. There are a number of locations around London where you can shop for chocolatey treats including extra dark, vegan, and liqueur chocolates. Buy a box or pick and mix your favourites. Indulgent hot chocolate is also sold.

Indulge in French artisan chocolate and desserts at Pierre Hermé. In the smart and crisp space you'll see counters and shelves stacked with individual chocolates, macarons, sweet brioche, and pound cakes, as well as smart boxes of chocolates that make great gifts, and tablets just made for snacking.

The artisan chocolates at Artisan du Chocolat are produced by hand in Kent. In the modern boutique you'll find eye-catching colourful displays of chocolatey treats to suit every need. If you're looking for a special gift or luxury hamper, a chocolate bar to nibble on, or vegan-friendly chocolates, this place has got you covered.

Läderach has been making fine Swiss chocolate since 1962 and been a pioneer in that time. The modern stores are decorated with chocolate tones and are filled with treats and gifts for any occasion. You'll find large chocolate tablets, truffles, pralines, and bites like florentines and chocolate popcorn.

For ethical chocolate made right here in the capital, head to London Chocolate. The smart store sits above the factory and sells ethical bean-to-bar chocolates and boxes with distinctive and bold packaging. You can also arrange factory visits with chocolate-making masterclasses.

Buy high-end treats at Prestat Chocolates. This vibrant boutique is decked out in eye-catching pastel shades and they package up their chocolates in equally-bold designs. You can choose from elegant chocolate boxes and bars, made using sustainable cocoa from the Ivory Coast.

At Carpo you can shop for fine nuts, dried fruits, coffee, and chocolates. The modern meets the traditional in these stores, where nuts are roasted on-site and you'll see elegant displays of chocolates. Pack some into a colourful box for a special gift. Freshly-prepared coffee is available too.

Award-winning chocolatier Maison Samadi is considered one of the best in the country. The boutique has a smart and streamlined appearance and is well-stocked with chocolate boxes and hampers. Choose truffles, chocolate bars, generously-stuffed dates, or miniature cakes from the selection.

Buy chocolates in South West London at Sandrine Chocolates. This long-standing shop sells luxurious Belgian chocolates in a colourful store with eye-catching displays. This shop has a diverse selection of milk, white, and dark chocolates with an eclectic range of flavour combos. You can also create a gift box of your favourites.

Italian Bear Chocolate might be best known for its indulgent hot drinks with molten chocolate spilling down the sides but that's not all that's available here. You can also shop for chocolate bars and praline gift boxes in this understated space. Italian wines are sold as well and you can enjoy indulgent cake too.

SugarSin in Covent Garden is a vibrant sweet shop that'll take you back to your youth with its huge pick and mix selection. The whole place is big and bold and you'll also find a range of chocolates here. Choose from chocolate bags, boxes, and individual bars, plus all the other sweet treats like their signature range of gummies.

At Leonidas you can pick from more than 100 types of luxurious Belgian chocolate. The stores are smart and the chocolate comes in packaging that's just as sleek and stylish. Individual pieces and bars are available as well as tempting chocolate assortments. These chocolates are made from 100% cocoa butter with no palm oil.

Chocolate boutique and café Melange Chocolate is based in Peckham. This cosy neighbourhood venue has a warm atmosphere. You can try out indulgent hot chocolate, cakes, and ice cream, or shop for award-winning chocolate. Take your pick from the bars and truffles flavoured with a varied range of fruits and spices.

The chocolate at Pierre Marcolini is handcrafted and has decades of experience behind it. These shops are sophisticated spaces selling fine Belgian chocolate tablets, truffles, and snacks, plus gifts for a wide array of occasions. You can also buy macarons and rich chocolate spread here.