Best hot chocolate in London
London does many things well, but when winter hits, the city becomes a paradise for anyone chasing the best hot chocolate in London. The lights go up, the air gets colder, and suddenly a simple cup of cocoa turns into a full-on seasonal mission.
If you’ve ever wrapped your hands around a warm mug and thought, this is the only reason I leave the house in December, you’re in the right place. London’s cafés, bakeries, and hotels take hot chocolate seriously. Some go rich and dark, some go sweet and creamy, and some show up with toppings that should probably require a permission slip.
So grab your scarf, pretend you’re not checking the weather every five minutes, and let’s hunt down the spots serving the kind of hot chocolate that warms your hands and your mood.
Just a quick note before we dive in: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you decide to book or buy through them, but it won’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend places and experiences I truly believe in (and often love myself), so think of it as a way to support my work while I keep sharing travel tips with you.
Chin Chin Dessert: 9/10
If you like your hot chocolate with a bit of drama, Chin Chin Labs is your place. This spot is famous for its wild desserts, but the hot chocolate deserves its own spotlight. It arrives in a paper cup tucked inside a bowl, and you’ll understand why as soon as the team blow-torches a mountain of marshmallow fluff on top. The smell alone is worth the trip.
The drink underneath uses Valrhona chocolate, so it’s rich without feeling heavy. The marshmallow adds the sweetness you want, and the slightly scorched edges bring that campfire flavour everyone secretly loves. Each spoonful is a soft, gooey mix of warm chocolate and toasted fluff, and yes, you’ll need the spoon.
- Location: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS
- Website: instagram.com/chinchinicecream
Dark Sugars: 9.5/10
Dark Sugars takes hot chocolate to theatrical levels. Three giant blocks of chocolate sit on the counter, and the team shaves off curls of dark, milk and white chocolate like pros. The shavings fall onto your drink in a generous heap and melt into a rich, layered cup that feels over-the-top in the best way.
You can choose one chocolate or go all in with all three. Even their cappuccino gets the same treatment. The shops are small, so expect a queue, especially on Brick Lane. But once you’re holding that steaming cup topped with a chocolate avalanche, it’s worth every minute.
- Location: 9 Nelson Rd., London SE10 9JB
- Website: www.darksugars.co.uk
Knoops : 8.5/10
Knoops is hot chocolate heaven for anyone who likes options. You choose your cocoa percentage, your milk, and any extras like chilli, orange zest or sea salt. With over 20 chocolates on the wall – from a bold 100% to a sweet 28% – there’s something for every mood.
Everything is blended to order, so each cup feels custom and a little bit fancy. I usually go for the 43% or 54%, but you can go creamier or darker depending on your vibe. They also serve iced chocolate, which is incredible in summer. Even with new locations popping up, the quality stays top tier.
- Location: 80 Kensington High St, London W8 4SG
- Website: knoops.com
Italian Bear: 9/10
Italian Bear is pure melted chocolate bliss. Their hot chocolate isn’t just a drink, it’s a whole mood. You’ll smell the warmers as soon as you walk in, bubbling away with thick, glossy chocolate that somehow tastes even better than it looks.
You can enjoy it on its own or pour it over pretty much anything they serve, from their popular almond chocolate cake to fresh strawberries. It’s a great spot for a cosy date.
The hazelnut flavour is the star. Rich, smooth and surprisingly not too sweet, it’s the kind of cup you finish faster than you planned.
- Location: 41 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QL
- Website: www.italianbearchocolate.com
The Nook: 8/10
The Nook is the kind of place that makes Hampstead even more charming. It sits on a quiet corner near the heath, perfect for grabbing a hot chocolate before a lazy wander. Their drinks start with melted Belgian chocolate mixed with steamed milk, so the result is silky, smooth and instantly comforting.
You can choose your chocolate strength from 28% to 80%, and everything is made with quality milk from The Estate Dairy. Marshmallows come roasted from Kensal Sugar Kitchen, which feels like a treat on its own. Keep an eye on the specials too — the pistachio hot chocolate is a crowd favourite.
- Location: 43 S End Rd, London NW3 2PY
- Website: thenookhampstead.co.uk
Qima Cafe: 8.5/10
Qima Café may be known for its coffee, but its hot chocolate deserves just as much hype. As the UK’s first tree-to-cup café, they treat chocolate with the same care as their beans. The drink blends single-origin 72% dark chocolate from the Solomon Islands with Valrhona’s 70% Guanaja, creating a cup that’s rich, smooth and beautifully balanced.
A touch of brown sugar softens the edges, cocoa powder adds depth, and a sprinkle of sea salt keeps everything from tipping too sweet. Grab a flaky pastry from the counter, find a seat and soak up Fitzrovia’s calm energy with every sip.
- Location: 21 Warren St, London W1T 5LT
- Website: qimacafe.com
Melt Chocolates: 9.5/10
Melt Chocolates is what happens when a luxury chocolatier decides to take hot chocolate very seriously. This boutique spot in West London melts its own house-made chocolate into a thick, glossy drink that feels like liquid dessert. You choose your chocolate, mix in extra flavours if you want, and finish it with a flamed marshmallow for peak indulgence.
Everything is handcrafted, so each cup tastes smooth, deep and a little decadent without going overboard. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for “just a drink” and walk out feeling like you treated yourself to something special.
- Location: 6 Clarendon Rd, London W11 3AA
- Website: meltchocolates.com
