Last updated:
London has a long love affair with chocolate, from centuries-old Mayfair houses that supply royalty to a new wave of artisan chocolatiers. This guide covers where to buy the best, whether you want an elegant gift or a bar to savour.
The historic houses
Charbonnel et Walker, founded in 1875 and tucked into a Mayfair arcade, is one of Britain's oldest chocolatiers and holds a royal warrant, famous for its rose and violet creams. Prestat, another historic name, is known for its jewel-bright boxes and truffles. These grand houses make chocolate feel like the luxury it once was, and their beautifully packaged boxes are among the best edible souvenirs in the city.
Modern artisans
A newer generation has pushed the craft forward. Paul A Young, an award-winning chocolatier, makes bold, freshly made chocolates and his famous sea-salted caramels in a small kitchen-shop, and Dark Sugars on Brick Lane is a sensory experience, its counters piled high with cocoa-dusted truffles. Across the city, small-batch makers and single-origin bars reward anyone who takes their chocolate seriously.
Where can I buy chocolate as a gift in London?
The historic Mayfair houses such as Charbonnel et Walker and Prestat sell beautifully boxed chocolates that make elegant gifts, while Paul A Young and Dark Sugars offer more contemporary, hand-made options. The grand department stores also carry a wide selection under one roof.
Which is the oldest chocolate shop in London?
Charbonnel et Walker, established in 1875, is among the oldest chocolatiers in Britain and still trades from its Mayfair home. Its long history and royal warrant make it a fitting place to buy a truly traditional London chocolate gift.
Where to go next
For more sweet treats, see the best desserts in London, or find gift ideas in our guide to London souvenirs.
