L’Artisan du Chocolat

I was lucky enough to go along to the opening of the new L’Artisan du Chocolate chocolateria on Westbourne Grove. Having sampled some of their chocolate recently and hearing lots of good things about them, I was excited to see what else they had on offer; I wasn’t disappointed.

The shop itself is a lovely, bright space with a futuristic feel to it coming from the shiny orange surfaces and the cool, rounded, plastic fittings. The huge light fitting in the centre of the room is the main focus adding warmth and brightness to the area as well as being a big talking point.

As well as an impressive range of chocolate related goodies on the shelves, there is also a small seating area where you can enjoy delights such as an iced chocolate granita or a cacoa pulp bellini from the bar.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much chocolate in one place before, bowl after bowl of truffles and chocolate-coated orange peel as well as trays of chocolate fondants and delicously creamy, smooth ice-cream. There were also espresso martinis and hot chocolate to quench your thirst which was very welcome, tasting chocolate is indeed thirsty work.

Of the chocolates on offer, my favourite was the liquid salt caramel, their number one bestseller and originally created for Gordon Ramsey at Claridges. Crunchy chocolate shells dusted with dark cocoa powder that give way to sweet and salty liquid caramel insides. The white truffle made with Chapel Down sparkling wine was lovely too and a great use of local produce.

And the packaging! It was like being in a French perfumier, row upon row of beautiful boxes tied with ribbons that looked far too good to open. All of this leant a very upmarket feel to the shop which at first seemed at odds with the futuristic feel of the shop but in fact it worked well as a contrast: a modern and innovative approach to chocolate-making that’s rooted in luxury.