About Time: You Discovered London’s Best Hot ChocolateBy Adam Hassanali

Looking for the London’s best hot chocolate ? Look no further. We’ve rounded-up the very best, *proper* hot chocolates in the capital to keep you warm this winter (and if you’d like to make one at home, here’s some recipe inspiration). Get ready to indulge:

1. For Spiked Hot Chocolate: Said Dal 1923

What: Classic Hot Chocolate (from £5)

The Lowdown: SAID in Soho and Fitzrovia serve up some pretty special hot chocolates, which can be spiked with a range of spirits like cognac, grappa, whisky and rum. You can also grab something sweet, like delicious chocolate bark or pastries, from SAID to accompany it. Word on the street is Italians do the best hot chocolate, and if this is true than you need to look no further than SAID DAL 1923.

Where: Locations here

2. For Luxury Hot Chocolate: Rabot 1745

What: Luxury Hot Chocolate (from £3.50)

The Lowdown: The hot chocolates here are made with real chocolate, using chocolate made on Hotel Chocolat’s own plantation in St Lucia. You can really taste the difference with their delicious, rich hot chocolates, which come in 9 different varieties. Our personal favourite is the hazelnut hot chocolate, which is made with pureed nuts, rather than syrup or powder. The white chocolate and nutmeg is also delicious, if you’re feeling like something sweet and indulgent.

Where: Borough Market, 2-4 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL

3. For a Decadent Hot Chocolate: Capilungo

What: Luxurious Hot Chocolates (from £6.50)

The Lowdown: These indulgent creations are the perfect winter treat for chocoholic Londoners. Inspired by its southern Italian roots and known for its dedication to high-quality, seasonal ingredients, Capilungo’s new hot chocolate menu presents a rich and varied selection of flavours that cater to all tastes, including those taking part in Veganuary. The newly curated hot chocolate range includes: Gianduja Hazelnut Praline, White Chocolate and Pistachio and Dark House Chocolate:

Where: 76 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LB

4. For a Spiced Hot Chocolate: The Camden Grocer

What: Aztec Spiced Hot Chocolate (£5.50)

The Lowdown: The Camden Grocer is a little deli in Camden market, which serves up delicious hot drinks. We loved the Aztec spiced hot chocolate, which you can pimp with whipped cram and make boozy with Westerhall Run or Whisky from the Cotswolds Distillery. The Camden Grocer can be found in the North Yard – Camden Market’s recently launched new restaurant and dining area.

Where: Unit 89 – Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH

5. For a Hot Chocolate Cocktail: Frenchie Covent Garden

What: The Hot Chock (£12)

The Lowdown: Frenchie Covent Garden is a chic, modern French Brasserie and serves an even chic-er hot chocolate offering. The Hot Chock is a blend of Fair Juniper gin, hot chocolate infusion and green chartreuse chantilly cream – it’s an unforgettable cocktail based on the flavours of hot chocolate, perfect as dessert cocktail.

Where: 16 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8QH

6. For Hot Chocolate with Views: Sky Pod Bar

What: Sweet Temptation (£11)

The Lowdown: Enjoy a ‘Sweet Temptation’ at the breathtaking Sky Pod Bar, London’s highest public garden. Served with a wafer biscuit on top, the hot chocolate also contains  Martel VS Cognac, Roots Kanela liqueur which gives it the Christmassy spice flavour and it finished with orgeat syrup and toffee nut whipped cream. They also serve other hot seasonal drinks like mulled wine, or hot Aspell Cyder.

Where: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

7. For an Instagrammable Hot Chocolate: Chin Chin Ice Cream

What: Signature Hot Chocolate with Torched Marshmallow (£5)

The Lowdown: Chin Chin Labs are famous for their special nitrogen ice cream, but did you know they also serve up an incredible hot chocolate? The hot chocolate is super rich, made with luxury Valrhona Chocolate (the best) and you can opt for a handmade torched marshmallow on top, which is perfect for pleasing your inner child. There’s also a vegan version, with notes of raspberry and apricot, so every can indulge this Christmas.

Where: 49-50 Camden Lock, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF

8. For Divine Hot Chocolate: Paul a Young

What: Aztec Hot Chocolate (£3.95)

The Lowdown: Paul a Young’s Aztec hot chocolate is surely some of the best in chocolate. This rich and thick hot chocolate can be mixed up with spices, such as cinnamon and cayenne or ginger and cardamom, or just enjoyed in its traditional, classic chocolate form. You can also choose to have homemade salted caramel poured in, which tastes like heaven. Either way, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better hot chocolate in London.

Where: Locations here

9. For Italian Hot Chocolate: Venchi

What: Italian Hot Chocolate (from £3.50)

The Lowdown: Luxury Italian chocolatiers Venchi celebrate the beauty of chocolate in all forms. At their Cioccogelaterie shops you can immerse yourself in a sensory experience, surrounded by chocolate: small daily indulgences for any time of day. You’ll be spoilt for choices in stores, with chocolates, pralines, Suprema chocolate spread, bars, hot chocolate and, of course, last but not least, gelato. The hot chocolate is seriously divine, an indulgent treat to warm you up.

Where: Locations here

10. For Bespoke Hot Chocolate: Melt Chocolates

What: Hot Chocolate (from £3.95)

The Lowdown: Melt Chocolates in Notting Hill is one of the best luxury, boutique shops in London, we say. They make a delicious hot chocolate in store, made with only the best quality dark chocolate – it comes in a little shot glass, perfect for a sweet hit. You can also buy their ‘hot chocolate blocks’ to take home, which make a great Christmas stocking gift. Pick up some dairy-free vegan chocolate truffles while you’re there, they are too good.

Where: Locations here