Poured over marshmallow? Drizzled with melted chocolate? Drenched in liqueur? However you like it, these gorgeous restaurants, bars and cafes have got it. Get your winter warmers on with our guide to the best places for hot chocolate in London. You know you want to...
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The Triple Threat One: SAID dal 1923
Bringing a slice of Italy to the streets of Central London, SAID dal 1923 is one of the most popular places for hot chocolate in London. The triple chocolate overspill (£1.80) is worth every penny; think silky smooth milk, chocolate and dark liquid layers on top of a real indulgent hot chocolate (from £5).
We can't be the only ones drooling, right?
The Customised One: Knoops
Giant fluffy marshmallow? Ruby chocolate? Made for vegans? Whichever way you want it, Knoops will deliver. Choose your chocolate percentage, opt between add-ons like sea salt and chilli and - better yet - get it to takeaway from locations in Kensington High Street or Clapham Junction.
Knoops hot chocolate is the perfect pour.
The Ube One: Mamasons
Thought you'd seen it all before? Think again. The Filipino dessert specialists at Mamasons have created all sorts of quirky sips from calamansi-ade to black buko koko. Get your hands on this ube hot cocoa (£5) made with ube and white chocolate, then smothered in ube whipped cream and wafer.
If you've never had ube, now's the time.
The White Chocolate One: Linnaean
Not just a gorgeous cafe, Linnaean also comes through with a quality menu of afternoon tea, bottomless brunch and all day staples. Along with the creamy Jamaican cocoa hot chocolate, the white hot chocolate (£4) is a mouthwatering blend made using 40% Belgian cocoa.
Beautiful interiors and gorgeous drinks come together at this Nine Elms favourite.
The Boozy One: Sky Garden
If you're after something on the spirited side, then check out Sky Garden's steamy little number. Whether you've been naughty or nice, this Sweet Temptation (£11.50) is the only present you need. Spiked with Hennessy, amaretto and cinnamon, it's one for your hot chocolate hit list.
Soak up velvety hot chocolate in the City.
The Marshmallow One: Chin Chin
A viral favourite that you can't miss on Instagram, Chin Chin's hot chocolate (£4.95) is thick, indulgent and finished with torched marshmallow. Whether you're craving a hot chocolate in Soho or Camden, or would rather a kit delivered, it's well worth a try.
Got a sweet tooth? This one's for you.
The Vegan One: Paul A Young
When he's not pairing Marmite with truffle or port and stilton, chocolatier Paul A Young is keeping you warm with high-end drinks. Wrap your lips around his luxury vegan hot choc, available from shops in Soho and Islington.
Have we found the best vegan hot chocolate in London?
The OTT One: Dark Sugars
From spirited and spiced to classic and vegan, Dark Sugars have something for all palates. Expect authentic African cocoa and quirky flavours in these hot chocolates (from £4.25). And if you fancy creating your own? Their DIY kits contain traditional utensils and quality chocolate to brew at home.
From white hot chocolate to dark and delicious, it doesn't get much tastier than this.
For the perfect winter spread, check out our guides to vegan fondue and mulled wine takeaways in London.
