Christoff.ai

Melt Chocolates

food shops markets•
London
London

Melt Chocolates

59 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Ledbury Road, just five minutes from Portobello Market's chaos, Melt Chocolates operates as Notting Hill's answer to Charlie's chocolate factory—minus the Oompa Loompas but with infinitely better customer service. This isn't just another posh chocolate shop; it's a proper artisan chocolatier where you can actually watch the magic happen and, crucially, learn to do it yourself.

Melt Chocolates: Notting Hill's Willy Wonka Workshop Where You Actually Learn the Magic

A sophisticated chocolate sanctuary that'll turn you into a proper cocoa snob

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you're immediately hit by that intoxicating scent of rich cocoa that seems to seep into your very soul. The space strikes a brilliant balance between Willy Wonka whimsy and sophisticated minimalism—warm wood counters anchor the room whilst clean white shelves display their chocolate treasures like precious artifacts. The open kitchen concept means you can watch skilled chocolatiers at work, which adds an element of theatre to the experience. Soft lighting and the gentle murmur of chocolate-obsessed conversations create an atmosphere that's both cozy and luxurious. It's intimate without feeling cramped, sophisticated without being stuffy. The workshop space takes things up another notch, where the real magic happens during their masterclasses. There's something genuinely special about a place that manages to feel both boutique-exclusive and warmly welcoming—the kind of spot that makes you want to linger far longer than your wallet might prefer.

Food & Drink

The chocolate here isn't messing about. Their signature salted-caramel milk chocolate hits that perfect sweet-salty balance that proper chocolatiers spend years perfecting, whilst the Manjari 64% Madagascar squares showcase the kind of single-origin sophistication that'll ruin you for supermarket chocolate forever. The crunchy praline bonbons are textural perfection, and they've managed to crack the vegan code with their oat-milk bars that don't taste like a compromise. The hot chocolate flights are a revelation—a proper education in cocoa rather than just a warm drink. Their candied-orange dipped dark chocolate shows real technical skill, and the brownie slabs are indulgent without being cloying. Everything feels handcrafted in the best possible way, with attention to detail that's immediately apparent. The beautifully curated gift hampers demonstrate their understanding that presentation matters as much as taste when you're operating at this level of the market.

Service & Experience

Here's where Melt truly shines—every visitor gets greeted with a complimentary truffle or hot drink, which immediately sets the tone for what's clearly a customer-first philosophy. The staff aren't just flogging chocolate; they're genuinely knowledgeable about their craft and seem to care about matching you with chocolates that suit your preferences. During the workshop experiences, the passionate chocolatiers guide you through creating custom chocolate bars and bonbons with patience and expertise. It's the kind of service that feels personal rather than transactional, which is increasingly rare in London's tourist-heavy areas like Notting Hill.

Value for Money

Let's be honest—this isn't budget chocolate, and recent reviews confirm the premium pricing. But here's the thing: you're not just buying chocolate, you're investing in an experience and genuinely superior quality. The 90-minute workshops where you leave with three custom bars and twenty bonbons represent proper value when you consider you're getting hands-on tuition from skilled chocolatiers. Yes, your bank account might feel the pinch, but the quality justifies the cost. Their commitment to sustainability with plastic-free packaging adds value for the environmentally conscious, and the fact that they cater to both adults and children means you're getting versatility for your money. It's expensive, but it's honest expensive—you know exactly what you're paying for.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Skip the weekend madness and book weekday classes for a more intimate experience with better photo opportunities. The shop operates Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm, so weekday mornings offer the most relaxed browsing experience.

What to Focus On

Start with their signature salted-caramel milk chocolate, then graduate to the Manjari 64% Madagascar squares. If you're booking a workshop, go for the full masterclass experience where you create three custom bars and twenty bonbons—it's their claim to fame for good reason.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Accept that complimentary truffle immediately—it's not just hospitality, it's a proper introduction to their quality standards. Book workshop experiences in advance, especially for weekdays when you'll get more one-on-one attention from the chocolatiers. Their worldwide shipping means you can order online later, but the in-store experience is what you're really paying for.

The Final Verdict

Melt Chocolates operates exactly as a luxury Notting Hill chocolate boutique should—with genuine expertise, superior products, and an experience that justifies the premium pricing. The combination of retail excellence and hands-on workshops sets it apart from mere chocolate shops. Yes, it's expensive, but it's the kind of place that creates chocolate converts rather than just customers. The sustainability focus and range of options from vegan bars to elaborate gift hampers show a business that understands its market whilst maintaining genuine artisan credentials. It's Instagram-worthy without being style over substance.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking a sophisticated date night experiencechocolate enthusiasts wanting to learn proper techniquesvisitors looking for premium Notting Hill shopping with substance

Quick Details

1

Melt Chocolates

⭐️ Willy wonka vibes
⭐️ Notting hill chic
⭐️ Workshop experience
💎 Sustainable luxury

This Notting Hill boutique captures pure Willy Wonka magic with warm wood counters, minimalist displays, and an open kitchen where chocolatiers craft daily batches. Every visitor receives a complimentary truffle or hot drink, creating immediate chocolate wonder that feels genuinely generous rather than calculated. The 90-minute workshops are exceptional - you'll leave with three custom bars and serious bragging rights about your chocolate-making skills. Their sustainable ethos shows in plastic-free packaging and ethical sourcing, while the cozy luxury atmosphere makes this perfect for date nights or solo chocolate adventures. The Manjari Madagascar squares and salted-caramel milk chocolate demonstrate serious technical skill.

What's Great

✓ Free truffle on arrival plus staff who genuinely care about your preferences

✓ 90-minute workshop where you leave with 3 custom bars and serious bragging rights

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing might make your bank account cry, though the quality justifies the cost

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Skip the weekend rush and book weekday classes - you'll get more one-on-one time and better Instagram shots

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Notting Hill: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 11am-5pm\nDulwich: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 11am-4pm"
📍59 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7727 5030
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Melt Chocolates has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

London's secret chocolate shops for weekend indulgence 2025 reference image

London's secret chocolate shops for weekend indulgence 2025

food shops markets in london•
Aug 26, 2025
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