Editorial Director, Suzanne Milne recommends:
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates | Soho
With a reputation as a ‘creative flavour alchemist’, as well as a string of international chocolatier awards, Paul A Young is considered one of the world’s best chocolatiers. Trained by none other than Marco Pierre White, Paul was head pastry chef at Marco’s Quo Vardis restaurant before detouring into product development for a number of major British stores, including Marks & Spencer. In 2006, he started this new chocolate venture with James Cronin, and after one year in business, they were awarded the Academy of Chocolate’s Best New Chocolate Shop award.
The trademark flavours here are Salted Caramel, as well as a Bergamot and Maya Honey ganache, but don’t stop there…
All of the Paul A Young chocolates are handmade in the kitchens at each of the stores (there are three in London; this is the flagship store). He specialises in herbs, alcohol and spices, but has also produced such experimental chocolates as passionfruit, Port & Stilton and even Marmite…
Set in the heart of Soho, and with Liberty’s, Hamley’s and Carnaby Street only metres away, this is a great spot to stop in for a mouthwatering treat – and to pack a few (bags) to take home in between any forays into more serious London shopping territory.
Additional features Across the three stores, there are all manner of classes held throughout the year, from tasting evenings to ganache making classes, and there are also Kids Workshops held at the Camden Passage shop during summer for eight to 14-year-olds. See details here.
