Hot chocolate may have its ancient roots, but these days it's becoming one of the defining drinks of cosy season. And when the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like a warm mug of it. In recent years, the indulgent treat has only grown in popularity, with London even opening a dedicated late-night space for experiences centred around hot chocolate.
Poured over fluffy marshmallows, drizzled in melted chocolate, or spiked with a dash of liqueur, there's no right or wrong way to sip it. Whatever your preference, the capital's restaurants and bars are serving some seriously decadent cups. Go on, treat yourself. Here's our guide to the best hot chocolate in London.
Here's Where To Find The Best Hot Chocolate In London
1. The Chocolate Cocktail Club
One for all you chocoholics, The Chocolate Cocktail Club implores you to join them for a mouth-watering afternoon tea fuelled by classic sandwiches, warm scones, truffle tortes, and decadent profiteroles.
This Farringdon favourite is going all-out in the drinks department too, with 2.5 hours of unlimited hot chocolates, teas and coffees (£29.70pp) or chocolate cocktails (£37.40pp).
Choose from chocolate cocktails and hot toddies.
2. Fire And Fromage
If you're after something on the spirited side, then check out Fire And Fromage's steamy little number. Whether you've been naughty or nice, their hot chocolate is the only present you need.
Made with an optional dash of vodka, it's the ideal treat after a feast of fondue and raclette burgers.
Enjoy this boozy hot chocolate under twinkling lights.
3. Chin Chin
Since starting as a small shop in Camden in 2010, this dessert haven has become well-known for making sweet treats with liquid nitrogen and going big on flavours. A viral favourite that you can't miss on Instagram, Chin Chin's hot chocolate is thick, indulgent, and finished with gooey marshmallow fluff.
Whether you're craving a hot chocolate in Soho or Camden, or would rather have a kit delivered, it's well worth a try.
Got a sweet tooth? Try the best hot chocolate Soho has to offer.
4. Dark Sugars
From spirited and spiced to classic and vegan, Dark Sugars have something for all palates. Founded in 2013, when Nyanga brought her artisan handcrafted chocolates to Brick Lane, the store has grown, with a four-storey flagship store in Greenwich.
Expect authentic African cocoa and quirky flavours in these hot chocolates. And if you fancy creating your own, their DIY kits contain traditional utensils and quality chocolate to brew it yourself.
From white hot chocolate to dark and delicious, it doesn't get much tastier than this.
5. Ladurée
Parisian brand Ladurée might be the most famous hot chocolate in London, known for its luxury spin on the classic. Get a taste of France right here, as you pair yours with macarons and fancy patisserie treats.
It pairs really well with a day of shopping and swooning at the Christmas lights in the West End.
Feast your eyes on one of the tastiest places for the best hot chocolate in Covent Garden.
6. Knoops
Giant fluffy marshmallow? Autumnal spiced? Made for vegans? Whichever way you want it, Knoops will deliver. Choose your chocolate percentage, pick between add-ons like sea salt and chilli and, better yet, get it to take away from locations including Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Kensington, Chelsea, Covent Garden, and Richmond.
The brand also has stores outside of London in Oxford, Brighton, and Rye. This one's a must on your hot chocolate hit list.
Knoops hot chocolate in London is a perfect, thick pour.
7. Badiani
Not only known for an epic selection of authentic gelato, Badiani should also be on your radar when winter rolls around. Served from a fountain, this luscious Italian hot chocolate is richer, thicker, and creamier than your bog standard cocoa, and can be finished with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, wafers, and pistachio sauce drizzled on top.
This year, they introduced a tiramisu hot chocolate you have to try for yourself.
Badiani has shops all across Central London.
8. Italian Bear Chocolate
In the heart of Soho, Italian Bear Chocolate has been serving up pure indulgence since 2012. This West End gem is run by Italian chocolate artisans who have mastered the art of crafting decadent treats with authentic, heritage-inspired recipes. Their hot chocolate is a London must.
Choose between milk, Gianduia or dark chocolate, and take things up a notch with a hit of cinnamon, ginger, or chilli. For the ultimate experience, add their signature ‘triple chocolate’ blend for a truly velvety, melt-in-the-mouth finish. From its famous Triple Chocolate Mocha and Chocolate Cake to rich pastries and Italian wines, Italian Bear Chocolate is a haven for chocoholics and dessert devotees alike - a little slice of Italy in the heart of Soho.
Italian Bear Chocolate's delicious drink (pictured right).
9. Daisy Green Collection
For gorgeous hot chocolates that'll make your Instagram stories pop off, head to these Daisy Green Collection spots across London. At the Portrait Pavilion (National Portrait Gallery), Glamarama Green, Beany Green Southbank, and Holland Park Café, you'll be able to get your hands on white hot chocolates, salted caramel s’mores beauties and 54% dark chocolate brownie affairs all year round - delicious.
These guys are looking hot-to-choc.
10. Mello Deluxe
Mello Deluxe is rewriting the rules of dessert with the world’s first marshmallow bar - and yes, it’s every bit as outrageous (and delicious) as it sounds. Created by the team behind Chin Chin, this Soho spot is dedicated to all things soft, molten and torched to perfection.
Think Hazelnut S’mores Hot Chocolate, the ethereal 'London Fog' (a matcha marvel of hojicha, Earl Grey, spirulina and Mello crème), and indulgent Baked Alaska Lemon Meringue Bombs that look almost too pretty to eat. Every creation is torched to order, and for those who can’t get enough of that gooey goodness, you can even grab a tube of their signature marshmallow crème to take home.
This place has even got its own marshmallow drawer.
11. Mercato Mayfair
Visit Mercato Mayfair this winter and discover a festive playground for chocoholics of all ages. Housed inside the stunning Grade I-listed St. Mark’s Church, the venue was transformed into a twinkling Christmas haven last year, where thick, toasted Italian-style hot chocolates steal the show.
Think torched mallow meringues, grated chocolate, and Le Choux biscuits crowning each cup, plus indulgent hot chocolate cookie pots perfect for dunking - and yes, you can even ring a bell when you’ve had your fill.
Note, 2026 is TBC.
Enjoy some hot chocolate at Mercato Mayfair this winter.
12. Chocolate Bar
With a site near Tower Bridge, Chocolate Bar is a business with a mission: introducing craft chocolate to the world. They're all about ethical, natural produce, and their bean-to-bar chocolate is both slavery-free and made without palm oil, emulsifiers and other additives.
Their hot chocolate is fully customisable, with a choice between white, milk or dark. There are multiple milk options too, and you can spice it up with flavours like gingerbread, matcha or vanilla.
These hot chocolates are free from any nasty ingredients.
13. ABC Kitchens
Last December, ABC Kitchens at The Emory invited Londoners to escape into a glimmering festive courtyard near Hyde Park. Highlighting the season’s sweetest offerings, the Hot Chocolate Trolley served premium chocolate drinks paired with delicate crullers, featuring flavours inspired by New York favourites, and we're hoping 2026 follows in similar fashion.
From Mexican-spiced Xocolatl to Black Forest with sour cherry and Tahitian vanilla, each pairing is an indulgent treat.
We can't get enough of these hot chocolates.
14. Feya London
Decadent and bear-y cute, Feya London's viral hot chocolate has gone viral for good reason. You can add the café's signature chocolate bear to any hot or iced drink, creating a picture-perfect finishing touch that's as fun as it is tasty. As it slowly melts into your cup, the bear adds an extra layer of sweetness, turning an everyday drink into a memorable treat and picture-perfect moment.
Feya London's hot chocolate is a viral sensation.
15. Temperance Cocoa Rooms
Opening inside the highly anticipated new London Museum, the Temperance Cocoa Rooms offer a refreshing late-night alternative to London's cocktail bars and pubs. Dedicated entirely to hot chocolate, the venue puts the indulgent drink centre stage with customisable creations, decadent desserts, and a menu designed for serious chocolate lovers.
Taking inspiration from the city's historic cocoa rooms, which were once created as alcohol-free social spaces, the concept gives a modern twist to a centuries-old tradition. It's open 24 hours, Thursday to Sunday, making it a go-to destination for everything from post-dinner treats to late-night catch-ups.
The Temperance Cocoa Rooms will be open all night long.
