Nothing truly beats Christmas in London. The twinkling lights, mulled wine on every corner, magical festive markets, and that crisp winter chill that makes you actually appreciate being wrapped in a blanket. It’s the season for cosy moments, indulgent treats, and embracing a little (or a lot) of festive decadence. And sitting smugly at the very top of that decadence list is a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Thick, rich, and outrageously velvety, the perfect hot chocolate has the audacity to transport you straight back to those carefree childhood days when life felt like a fairytale and we genuinely believed adulting would be “fun”. Remember that? Oh, the innocence. Maybe that’s why us Londoners cling to the festive season with such childlike devotion: it reminds us of simpler times, before bills, responsibilities, and 47 unanswered WhatsApps. And no amount of Christmas cheer feels complete without clutching a nostalgic cup of cocoa like it is emotional therapy.
But if you’re anything like me, even during the season of “go on, treat yourself”, a tiny voice in your head still counts calories (yes, I know that’s not what the festive spirit is about). Which means if you’re dedicating a precious cheat day or let’s be real, a cheat hour to a decadent drink, it better be worth every sinful sip. Adulting is brutal and we’ve got 99 problems, but mediocre hot chocolate is absolutely not going to be one.
And in a capital boasting over 4,000 coffee shops, finding the elite, crème-de-la-cocoa spots is a mission and a half.
So trust me when I say we’ve scoured London high, low, and everywhere to bring you the 10 best hot chocolate havens guaranteed to make your winter season, and that moment on your lips, truly magical. From indulgent, Instagram-bait mugs to refined, grown-up sips that scream festive luxury (yes Vegans, get in – there’s room for you too), grab your jumper, wrap your scarf, and prepare to drink your way through London’s chocolate heaven.
10. William Curley
Soho’s chocolate hideaway. William Curley serves everything from hazelnut gianduja to chilli-kicked Aztec chocolate in cosy, welcoming surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to end your hot chocolate crawl on a high — and maybe grab a last festive selfie while you’re at it.
Address: William Curley, 33 Smith’s Court, Soho, London W1D 7LR
Website: williamcurley.co.uk
9. Prestat
Hidden and chic, Prestat is all class with zero fuss. Their hot chocolate is rich, smooth, and elegantly indulgent, perfect for when you’re in the mood for sophistication with a side of festive cheer.
Address: Prestat, 14 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y 6DS
Website: prestat.com
8. The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason
For the ultimate posh festive experience, Fortnum’s Parlour serves creamy, chocolatey hot chocolate piled high with shavings of pure indulgence. Choose from dark, milk, or salted caramel, each one feels like a tiny crown on your festive day. Bonus points if you manage to sip without dribbling on your jumper, the struggle is real.
Address: Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Website: fortnumandmason.com
7. The Nook
Post-park stroll or pre-snowball fight, The Nook is your cosy little hideaway. With the finest Belgian chocolate drops, creamy perfection, and a tucked-away charm, it’s perfect for lingering over a festive treat while watching Hampstead twinkle under the Christmas lights. With over six different chocolate strengths, it’s a hot chocolate party for everyone – including vegans.
Address: The Nook, 43 South End Road, London NW3 2PY
Website: thenookhampstead.co.uk
6. Mello Deluxe
For a cosy, slightly quirky festive fix, Mello Deluxe serves hot chocolate that’s thick, nutty, and packed with playful flair. Their Deluxe Hot Chocolate is a dream, topped with torched marshmallow fluff and a big ol’ heap of vanilla cream. Perfect for warming up while exploring Seven Dials’ twinkling streets.
Address: Seven Dials Market, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX
Website: mellodeluxe.com
5. Melt
For those who like their festive cocoa with a little extra magic, Melt in Notting Hill delivers hot chocolate dreams. Rich, indulgent, and made with high-quality chocolate, their creations are perfect for cosy winter moments. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets or taking a well-deserved festive break, Melt’s hot chocolate hits all the right notes – decadent, comforting, and utterly Instagrammable.
Address: Melt, 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, London
Website: meltchocolates.com
4. Dark Sugars
Dark Sugars doesn’t do moderation – expect artisanal curls of white, milk, and dark chocolate piled high like a winter wonderland in a cup. Every sip feels like a tiny celebration, instantly cheering up even the chilliest of London days.
Address: 9 Nelson Road, London SE10 9JB
Website: darksugars.co.uk
3. Knoops
For the true chocoholics who take their cocoa seriously. At Knoops, you choose your chocolate percentage, from light and milky to dark and intense, and watch as your bespoke cup of chocolate heaven is whipped up. It’s luxury that’s fun, indulgent, and worth every velvety sip.
Address: multiple locations
Website: knoops.com
2. Chin Chin Labs
Theatrical and utterly delightful. Chin Chin Labs’ Valrhona hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and topped with blow‑torched marshmallow fluff that’s practically a festive spectacle. Perfect for those who like a bit of drama with their cocoa – and, let’s be honest, a little Instagram fame on the side.
Address: Seven Dials Market, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX
Website: chinchinicecream.com
1. Italian Bear Chocolate
The undisputed king of festive hot chocolate. Italian Bear isn’t just serving cocoa, it’s serving joy. Thick, decadent layers of white, milk, and dark melted chocolate are ladled into your mug as the base, before being topped with rich hot chocolate or mocha for maximum indulgence. Every sip is a little moment of Christmas magic, and yes, it’s available for vegans too (dark chocolate is vegan-friendly). If your hot chocolate doesn’t make you do a tiny happy dance, did you even visit Italian Bear?
Address: 41 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9QL
Website: italianbearchocolate.com
