London - Easter is the time to indulge your inner Willie Wonka, which is something that simply can’t be done by half measures. So if you’re planning some sweet indulgence you can’t go far wrong by visiting some of the great chocolate capitals of the world.
British Airways has some idea of where the Oompa-Loompas make the best chocolate. Here are its top five suggestions for the sweet-toothed traveller.
1. Birmingham, United Kingdom
The renowned Cadbury’s World is located in Birmingham. This chocolate centre can be reached by train from London Euston in a couple of hours. Visitors can learn about the UK’s iconic confectionery brand and the history of chocolate making through the different zones of the visitor centre. British Airways offers Cadbury’s chocolates on board in the Club Kitchen for Club World customers and in the snack boxes for World Traveller customers.
2. London, United Kingdom
For those looking for treats available in London, Paul A Young has been named as Britain’s best chocolatier serving rich truffles and brownies in his boutique shop located in Soho.
For more chocolate-themed fun, book tickets to see the award-winning Charlie and The Chocolate Factory musical at the famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Covent Garden. Luxury hotel One Aldwych, offers a special Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea, including chocolate caramel milk, homemade candy floss and cocoa bean financier.
For chocoholics, Choccywoccydoodah is the ultimate treat. It is an art and design focused chocolatier based in the trendy coastal city of Brighton and the quirky area of Soho in central London. It specialises in creating bespoke chocolate sculptures and gifts including hand-made chocolate eggs with fillings of praline and caramel.
3. Brussels, Belgium
The capital city Brussels, is renowned for its gourmet chocolate shops located along the cobbled streets of this quaint city. For chocolate connoisseurs, the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate offers a great opportunity to see how different chocolates are made and enjoy tasty samples throughout the experience.
4. Paris, France
Paris is home to many master chocolatiers, making this an ideal place for travellers on the hunt for premium chocolates. In particular Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its artisanal shops serving a vast selection of chocolate creations including truffles, pralines, chocolate-coated candied fruit or delicate macaroons. Visit one of the many cafés and take a moment to experience a luxurious Parisian chocolate chaud (hot drinking chocolate).
5. Geneva, Switzerland
Regarded as one of the country’s national treasures, Switzerland’s chocolate is known across the world for its high quality. The city of Geneva is a picturesque place to visit and taste traditional Swiss chocolates. Auer is one of the oldest confectionary shops dating back to 1939 - try its signature Amandes Princesses, which are roasted almonds covered in chocolate. Considered one of the finest Swiss Chocolate brands, family-owned Favarger’s guided factory tour enables visitors to learn about the process of making hand-made chocolates from the cocoa bean through to the finished products. At the end of the tour, each person is given a tasty souvenir to take home.
Adapted from a press release for IOL