Melange Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Melange: Peckham's Award-Winning Chocolate Workshop Disguised as a Restaurant

Where founder Isabelle crafts London's top 10 hot chocolate in an intimate artisan oasis

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Melange strikes an intriguing balance between sophisticated chocolate workshop and neighbourhood restaurant. The minimalist interior showcases natural materials, creating a calm, intimate environment that scores just 3.5 out of 10 for energy - this is decidedly not a buzzy scene. Instead, it cultivates what the venue intelligence suggests is a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, with sophistication levels hitting 6.5 out of 10. The space includes a main dining area, bar, and outdoor terrace, though the cocktail bar is currently closed. With social group sizes trending intimate rather than crowded, and conversation levels sitting comfortably in the middle range, it's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The chocolate workshop element adds a unique artisanal energy that transforms what could be a standard Peckham restaurant into something with genuine discovery potential, scoring an impressive 8.0 out of 10 for spontaneous finds.

Food & Drink

The food programme centres around seasonal small plates and mains alongside those famous desserts, with vegetarian and vegan options available throughout. Weekend brunch service adds another dimension, though specific details about the menu aren't available. What sets Melange apart is the chocolate craftsmanship - we're talking 18-flavor chocolate thins, assorted truffles, single-origin bars, and that signature hot chocolate that's earned a spot in London's top 10. The award-winning handmade chocolates are clearly the star attraction here, with founder Isabelle offering chocolate tastings and wine & chocolate pairings. The bar serves craft cocktails, wines, and beers when operational, suggesting a thoughtful drinks programme to complement both the food and chocolate offerings. This is artisanal chocolate done properly, not just restaurant desserts with pretensions.

Service & Experience

Personal service from founder Isabelle herself is a significant draw, offering chocolate tastings, educational workshops, and those wine & chocolate pairings. This founder-led approach creates what the venue data suggests is a genuinely welcoming neighbourhood energy. The educational component - those chocolate workshops - indicates staff who know their craft inside out. However, the limited opening hours (closed Monday-Tuesday, evening-only service Tuesday-Friday) suggest a more intimate, perhaps resource-constrained operation rather than the slick service machine you'd find at larger establishments. The personal touch from Isabelle clearly elevates the experience beyond standard restaurant service.

Value for Money

With prices ranging from £2.20 to £36, Melange sits at a 2 out of 4 price level - reasonable for London, particularly given the artisanal quality. Hot chocolate at £3.50 represents genuine value for what's ranked among London's top 10, while truffles at £14.50 and tasting boxes at £24 position this as affordable luxury. The venue tags specifically mention 'affordable-for-London' and 'student-friendly', suggesting conscious pricing for the Peckham location. Given the award-winning chocolate quality, founder-led experience, and the rarity factor (uniqueness scores 8.5 out of 10), the pricing feels fair rather than exploitative. You're paying for genuine artisanal craft, not just location or Instagram appeal.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Saturday at 10:30am opening offers first pick of fresh truffles, according to insider advice. Weekend service (Saturday 12pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm) provides the most flexibility, while Tuesday-Friday evening service (5pm-11pm) suits those seeking a quieter experience. Avoid spontaneous Monday-Tuesday visits as they're closed entirely.

What to Focus On

The signature hot chocolate is non-negotiable - it's what earned their London top 10 ranking. The 18-flavor chocolate thins offer a proper tasting experience, while the £24 tasting boxes provide good value for exploring their range. For the full experience, book one of Isabelle's chocolate tastings or wine & chocolate pairings.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Snag a window seat for optimal chocolate workshop energy and to watch Isabelle's craftsmanship in actionThe outdoor terrace accommodates pets (outdoor only policy), making it rare among serious chocolate destinationsEducational workshops provide genuine insight into chocolate making - book ahead as this appears to be a small-scale operation

The Final Verdict

Melange succeeds because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. This is Isabelle's chocolate workshop first, restaurant second, and that focus shows in every element from the award-winning hot chocolate to the intimate, educational atmosphere. The limited hours and closed cocktail bar suggest some operational challenges, but the core chocolate offering is genuinely exceptional. At these prices, in this location, with this level of artisanal quality, it represents exactly the sort of neighbourhood gem that makes Peckham worth exploring. Just don't expect buzzy energy or spontaneous availability.

Christoff's Rating:

7.8/10

Perfect For:

chocolate enthusiasts seeking genuine artisanal qualitycouples looking for an intimate, educational date experiencelocals wanting a sophisticated neighbourhood spot without central London prices

Melange

Melange

Christoff's Take

Melange: Peckham's Award-Winning Chocolate Workshop Disguised as a Restaurant

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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Melange

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