Best hot chocolate in London: Covent Garden

This place has become my favorite spot over the festive season.

Approaching Christmas can be quite lonely for travelers, but entering Covent Garden felt like a giant hug to me.

This year the decoration style was "it's never too big": giant Rudolph and baubles were in order.

The west end location also offered various entertainments, from street performers to free Covent Garden Soup giveaway (my mum says thanks by the way), and a visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck.

Even though most shops are quite expensive, the cute shop of  Eric Snooks inspired most my Christmas presents, I simply wanted to buy everything (I almost bought the boyfriend a pull back and go salt shaker, not too sure about this now...)

Now, with all that feel good "Christmas is in the air" mood, what you need is a hot drink.
After my decision to reduce my intake of mulled wine (I could lie and say I am  cutting out alcohol, but I am afraid my friends that my recent commitment is due to the financial crisis happening in my cute floral wallet), I embarked on a noble quest: the conforting hot Chocolate cup.

Here is my selection:

Le Pain Quotidien

I know what you're gonna say, oh dear, a chain, boring.  I personally would not have walked in there for that particular reason.

But like for most of my little flings, I entered this place by accident; we needed a loo, there is none in the market, you know the drill...
 
I had a look around on my way out, and was curious to know why there were no mugs in this place- only bowls. I picked out a leaflet from a nearby table, and read it with a smile: it was a  cute little cartoon telling the story of the owner, who used to visit his gran as a child.
His gran used to pour him a hot chocolate in a red bowl.
The leaflet also said that special red bowls can be found in all the branches around the world.

Clever marketing  or adorable concept, you take your pick, I for myself, loved the idea and wanted to return.

Which I did the following week, with my new friend Susie the Aussie.
The first time I went I had spotted that gorgeous basket full of fresh breads, but it was too big for just one person, and Lady Brisbane was in the mood for some lemon cake, so I only got a few pieces of the walnut bread. It was slightly toasted, served with french organic butter and four chocolate spread:
hazelnut, milk, dark and white chocolate.
The hot chocolate was nice but small. The waiter also kindly threw in some marshmallows when I asked.


The decor was really warm, with a good homy cosy vibe.

+ The atmosphere: takes you back to your childhood, particularly upstairs on the big kitchen table.
- The prices of the hot drinks: I believe £3,80 for a tea is a bit presumptuous, unless it is infused with gold flakes.


Candy Cakes

Candy cakes was a slap of color. You can't miss it, it's the shop that looks like the inside of a chewing gum.

This cafe, which recently opened in the building, offers many treats from preservative free cupcakes to milkshakes and lollipops.
But I needed to stay focused, I had a mission: finding an amazing hot chocolate.
As I entered the colourful room, I found an exhaustive list of cold and hot beverages on the wall.


I decided to have a go at the bounty hot chocolate. This indulgent caloric bomb must have fallen right from heaven (no actually if it had, it would be the same calories as an apple): smooth, rich, coconuty, topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, here George, this deserves a "what else?".


The first time I went I was greeted by a lovely girl who even gave me some ribbon as I was packing a last minute present.
I returned a few days ago and was quite disappointed to see that the lovely girl had been replaced by a barking, almost agressive one.
Doesn't quite fit with the venue, chill out Gal!



+ Great choice of drinks and cakes
- I wasn't too impressed by the room itself, it was really small, and lacked of atmosphere. This place is fun and young, it needs to pop more, how about some retro tunes?


In conclusion, if you are looking for a great place to get a hot drink, Le Pain quotidien is the place to go, but expect the prices to be high. Candy cake is better value, but you may have to fight for a seat during shopping hours.