CHOCOLATE STORES IN LONDON
Posted by John Blogg
During a short visit to london, UK I noticed a growing number of new and challenging chocolate stores that opened up all over the City. Here are a few chocolate stores I saw:
Hotel Chocolat, nice UK concept ( also 2 stores in Boston,US). Very much a Fashion store in Chocolate. The chocolate is ok, I suppose – more the Cadbury level – but packaging is great as is the stores fantastic merchandising. They have some 50 + stores all over the UK. www.hotelchocolat.com
Jeff de Bruges, Mayfair, London, UK
Their first in London and they’ve got some 200 + stores. The bulk in France and a number of emerging markets. Very few in the more developed countries ……….begs the question whether by necessity or is it smart marketing? I met their London Franchisee, Raks Shah, great and above all passionate retailer of chocolate.
Nice fit out but here in contrast to Hotel Chocolat I tasted some real top end chocolate…. Also fantastic packaging but merchandised in a less exiting fashion than at Hotel Chocolat. Liked particularly that they package “fresh” and at store level. www.jeff-de-bruges.com
Artisan du Chocolat, London. A UK start up (three stores in London) developed by an Irish / Belgian team for UK taste. Their interior is unusual and above all their drinking chocolate is a must! Gives a very artisanal handmade feel with great taste and like before nice packaging. Here a little more attention to staff and its attitude would improve the overall impression. www.artisanduchocolat.com
