Hotel Chocolat Cafe Review

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Hotel Chocolate Review

Hotel chocolat. That's Chocolat without an "e". Is a popular chocolatier with chains across London and even a school of chocolate for chocolate loving, aspiring hotel chocolat artisans. 

I visited the Covent Garden branch of hotel chocolat in London. Situated in the bustling square of Covent Garden. 

Where live music can be heard, and crowds can be seen enjoying free street performances. Filling their stomachs and shopping for wares.

Hotel chocolat - hot chocolate with whipped cream

Where to Enjoy Drinks, Ices, Cakes, and Snacks Nearby

If you're now craving a decadent treat after reading about my Covent Garden adventure, you might be wondering how to track down a spot serving up delicious drinks, ices, cakes, or snacks near you.

A few easy tricks:

• Map Apps: Tap into Google Maps or Citymapper. Simply type in what you’re after—“iced drinks,” “cakes near me,” or “snack bars nearby”—and let the digital magic happen.
• Local Favourites: Popular café chains like Gail’s Bakery, Greggs, or even that classic Ben’s Cookies often pop up in busy neighborhoods.
• Ask Locals: Don’t underestimate the power of striking up a quick conversation! Londoners love to share their favorite hidden gems.
• Foodie Apps: Platforms like Time Out London or Yelp can help you spot excellent dessert cafés and quirky snack bars around Covent Garden (or wherever you land).

Armed with these tools, your next sweet fix—or caffeine boost—is always just a stone’s throw away.

Hotel Chocolat, Covent Garden has a cafe in the basement of their chocolate shop. It's a small, casual seating area with stools and a sofa against a wall. 

I wouldn't recommend this hotel chocolat cafe for sitting down to study or do some work.

I tried the hot mint chocolate drink and a limited edition hot chocolate, which contained orange, cinnamon and molasses. With a chocolate whipped cream topping and almond shavings.

Hotel Chocolat hot chocolates could have been a little bit warmer. The mint hot chocolate was quite nice, but I don't feel compelled to go back for another cup.

What's really cool about the hot chocolate
at hotel chocolate, is that you can choose from a variety of chocolate strengths. Feeling brave and fancy 100% pure dark chocolate? Go right ahead! 

Or maybe you'd prefer 85% dark chocolate. The more common milk chocolate at 50% cocoa consistency, or an even milkier hot chocolate. 

There's also an option for vegan hot chocolates at hotel chocolat Covent Garden cafe. Using plant based milk instead of dairy. 

You can also choose to add chocolate whipped cream for an extra cost.

I tried a ten second dunking biscuit with my hot chocolate. It's a decent sized biscuit. 

Long and chunky. Perfect when dunked. I literally timed the ten seconds. My biscuit lived up to it's promise and didn't fall apart. 

It was a delicious biscuit. The perfect hot drink companion. I recommend picking one or two of the dunking biscuits up on your visit to hotel chocolat. Or buy online at www.hotelchocolat.com

The flavours at hotel chocolat are pretty impressive. With milk. Dark. Chilli. Mint. Hazelnut chocolate. Salted caramel and vanilla white hot chocolate options.

All hot chocolates can alternatively be iced. There are also chocolate coffee lattes and chocolate infused teas on offer at cafe hotel chocolat.

Service received at hotel chocolat was just ok. There was a slight smile from two staff members on entering. My main server at the till was a bit impersonal and rushed. 

It would have been nice to have been told that hot chocolate doesn't come with a chocolate whipped cream topping by default.
I was unaware of this and less than impressed when my plain looking mint hot chocolate arrived.

Hotel chocolat ten second biscuit dunking challenge

I recommend hotel chocolat for gift purchases and picking up some yummy chocolate treats. 

There are some hits and some misses when it comes to the hotel chocolat chocolate selection. The Covent Gardren cafe at hotel chocolat isn't anything special. Just a casual pit stop if you fancy a beverage.

As impressive as it all sounds. Sadly, I was unimpressed by the hot chocolate at hotel chocolat.

If you’re not in the mood for a classic hot chocolate, you’ll find a tempting spread of other drinks to try. Alongside the signature hot chocolate (which can be served hot or over ice), you can opt for rich chocolate lattes that blend espresso with velvety cocoa, or choose from an assortment of chocolate-themed teas and infusions. Craving something a little cooler? Chocolate shakes are available too, making this a happy spot for both chilly and sunny days.

No matter your temperature or caffeine preference, there’s a creative chocolatey drink just waiting for you.

A Heavenly Ice Cream Experience

One of the unique highlights at the cafe is their signature ice cream, playfully named "Ice Cream of the Gods." It’s not your average scoop—this dreamy treat is made using a rich blend of pure chocolate and creamy ingredients, resulting in a luscious, velvety-soft serve.

Think of it as the Rolls-Royce of chocolate ice creams—pure luxury in a cup or cone, with an intensely chocolatey flavor that’s perfect for true chocoholics. Whether you’re popping in for a hot drink or just want to spoil yourself on a sunny Covent Garden afternoon, this indulgent ice cream makes for a memorable experience.

You can enjoy it plain and simple or choose from a selection of tasty toppings for a little extra flair.

However, my overall review of hotel chocolate is positive. Hotel Chocolat has such a huge range of chocolate products. There are chocolate infused beauty products.

Fragrances. Tonnes of edible chocolate treats and special chocolate themed events. The hotel chocolate loyalty scheme is excellent too. 

It takes a few seconds to sign up and you get 15% off your first in store or online purchase. Plus a gift on your birthday.

I took home some hotel chocolat treats. How could I possibly leave without chocolate! You must try hotel chocolat passion fruit and white chocolate bar. Also the milk and cookies hotel chocolat bar is deliciously addictive.

Updating in 2022. I was once again gifted by the generous people at hotel chocolat for my birthday. I received £5 to spend online or in store. No strings attached.

I used my birthday gift to purchase a mini chocolate vodka and cream liqueur drink. Plus some chocolate and caramel buttons.

The caramel milk chocolate drops are delicious. Melt in the mouth. Shareable treats. As is the velvetised chocolate cream. Alcoholic drink. I personally find that the drink tastes very similar to bailey's. 

Found this hotel chocolat cafe and product review interesting?

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Important Disclaimer

This is a review of hotel chocolat. Covent Garden branch. London. Hotel chocolat is a chocolate company with cafe's shops and a school in London. Snacks, ice cream and beverages are on the cafe menu at hotel chocolat covent garden. All information was correct at the time of listing. Hotel chocolat covent garden is described online as "Upmarket chocolatier chain with its own Saint Lucia cocoa plantation. Some branches have cafes."  The photos of food in this blog post which were taken at hotel chocolat. covent garden London. Along with any text and personal opinions about hotel chocolat are copywritten by said owner of www.gonesunwhere.com The photographs and text on this blog must not be copied. Distributed. Sold or printed without prior written consent of this blog owner. Contact this site owner for more details.