Dining
The 6 Best Hot Chocolate in London
Spoon-thick Italian cups, build-your-own percentages and a torched-marshmallow legend: London's best hot chocolate.
In short: our top picks are SAID dal 1923, Knoops and Dark Sugars. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s best hot chocolate has nothing to do with a sachet and hot water. SAID pours a Roman cup so thick you almost need a spoon, Knoops lets you dial the cocoa percentage to taste, and Chin Chin Labs tops its version with a torched marshmallow. It is a cold-weather ritual and a proper little treat. Go for the smaller, darker cups if you like it intense, and take the marshmallow.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SAID dal 1923 | Soho | ££ |
| Knoops | Covent Garden | ££ |
| Dark Sugars | Brick Lane | ££ |
| Chin Chin Labs | Camden | ££ |
| Rabot 1745 | Borough | ££ |
| Paul A. Young | Soho | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
SAID dal 1923
Why we pick itA Roman chocolatier's Soho outpost pouring hot chocolate so thick you almost need a spoon, from a 1923 family recipe.
Italian chocolate house
-
Knoops
Why we pick itChoose your cocoa percentage from 28 to 100 and your milk, then have it made to order, exactly to taste.
build-your-own hot chocolate
-
Dark Sugars
Why we pick itA Brick Lane cocoa house where the barista carves shavings of milk, white and dark chocolate over your frothy cup.
cocoa house
-
Chin Chin Labs
Why we pick itThe Camden ice-cream boffins' legendary hot chocolate, thick and rich under a torched marshmallow cap.
dessert parlour
-
Rabot 1745
Why we pick itHotel Chocolat's Borough Market cocoa house, single-estate hot chocolate from its own Saint Lucia plantation.
cocoa house
-
Paul A. Young
Why we pick itAn award-winning British chocolatier whose sea-salted caramel hot chocolate is a seasonal ritual.
artisan chocolatier
Before you book
This is peak-season pleasure, best from roughly October to March when the dedicated cocoa houses are in full swing. The thickest Italian-style cups are rich enough to share, so order one between two if you are unsure. Most are small counter spots, busiest at weekends and over the festive weeks.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
SAID dal 1923 is our editor's choice: A Roman chocolatier's Soho outpost pouring hot chocolate so thick you almost need a spoon, from a 1923 family recipe. SAID dal 1923, Knoops and Dark Sugars lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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