Ah, Chocolate Week. Two of the most beautiful words in the English language. But what can you do to mark this auspicious occasion? Read on.
Tony's Chocolonely afternoon tea at Bluebird Chelsea
One of our picks for the best new afternoon teas in London this month, chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely has paired with Bluebird Chelsea for a limited three-tiered feast celebrating all things cocoa. White chocolate and raspberry scones, milk chocolate sea salt ganache and a hazelnut choux bun are some of the items on the sweet-centric menu.
£1 from each afternoon tea is donated to the Chocolonely Foundation, which has a mission to make all chocolate 100% slavery free.
£29 per person. Available: 14-20 October 2019.
Chocolate Week menu at The Petersham
Fancy Richmond menu The Petersham has launched a special Chocolate Week menu, designed by Head Chef Jean-Didier Gouges to showcase the power of cocoa as an ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Special dishes include seared scallop served with a mushroom and white chocolate velouté, and smoked venison fillet served on white chocolate 'soil', with various vegetables in a red wine jus. The Black Candle dessert (pictured) is the showstopper — a vanilla cake with chocolate and hazelnut mousse, marshmallow cream and charcoal ice cream.
Available on lunch and dinner a la carte menus, until 31 October.
Thyme for Chocolate at Flemings Hotel
If you're more about drinking your chocolate than eating it, may we introduce Thyme for Chocolate. The special cocktail consists of Chase vodka, Dolin dry vermouth infused with fresh thyme, and white Crème de cacao, garnished with a fresh sprig of thyme and served in an glass with a chocolate rim. It's £16, and available at Manetta's bar at Flemings Hotel, 14-20 October.
Chocolate afternoon tea at The Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch
For one week only, Judge & Jury restaurant east London's Courthouse Hotel serves a special twist on its afternoon tea.
The Chocolate Week menu has cocoa-inspired touches including scones served with chocolate clotted cream, chocolate and peanut butter brownie, white chocolate and raspberry bomb, and a chocolate swiss roll. It's served in the rather grand setting of a former courtroom within the Old Street Magistrate’s Court.
£19.75 per person/ £24.75 with a glass of prosecco. Available 14-20 October.
Chocolate spa experience at The Courthouse Hotel, Soho
Across town at Soho's own Courthouse Hotel, The Sanook Spa offers a special chocolate experience consisting of a 30 minute cocoa body scrub, followed by either a fragranced massage or chocolate facial.
£95 per person. Available 14-20 October.
If you're looking for the Chocolate Festival which usually takes place in Angel, it's not happening this year. Console yourself with London's best chocolate shops, London's best hot chocolates, or perhaps a visit to the new chocolate and confectionery department at Fortnum & Mason, unveiled just a couple of weeks ago.
