National Chocolate Week

Chocolate elicits a reaction in people like no other food. There is something about the cocoa bean in all its forms which makes people go a little bit doolally. It is devoured by people for a number of different reasons; as a comfort food, as a substitute for sex and as a reward for getting through the morning at work. Put it this way, no-one’s fantasy involves a man in a dinner jacket climbing through the window with a plate of mashed potato and you’ll never see edible body paint available in lasagna flavour. This week sees a nationwide celebration of chocolate and the London Word picks out the best events happening in the capital…

Afternoon tea is fast becoming the most fashionable meal of the day with many of the city’s most prestigious hotels producing bespoke menus for the week. Claridges, Brown’s and the Park Lane Hotel are but three who are offering a special chocolate-themed afternoon teas.

If you are looking for chocolate as part of a main meal, head to the eco-friendly Waterhouse Restaurant. There you’ll find such chocolate-infused creations as chocolate and roasted beetroot salad and venison with a dark chocolate jus. Naturally, you’ll also be able to find some chocolate in the puddings they have too.

If you’re serious about your chocolate and want to find out more, the Hotel Chocolat chain are running chocolate tasting evenings. Here you’ll be able to discover the subtle nuances that are found in high-quality chocolate. The evenings, which cost £35, are held on the October 11, 13 and 16 at the Rabot Estate shop in Borough.

However, if you think you’re already pretty clued up on chocolate, there are two events that will test how truly knowledgable you are. The Rococo Chocolates store in Marylebone is hosting a blindfolded chocolate tasting on October 14. Priced at £15 and with a goody bag given away as part of the cost, you’ll be challenged to taste chocolate with your eyes shut.

The other event is a chocolate-themed quiz which is taking place at the Northbank Restaurant on October 12. The event costs £30 and includes a three course meal as part of the price. The quiz is not to be taken too seriously with the emphasis on having a good time as the event is in aid of the charity World Hunger.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, you can find it at Harrods. Throughout the week, the Food Hall will be selling chocolates and chocolate brownies as made by Lily Vanilli, chocolatier to the stars. On October 11, Vanilli will be hosting her own pop-up stand and giving away free samples of her highly coveted goods.

National Chocolate Week takes place in London from October 11 to 17 at:

Claridge’s Hotel
Brook Street
Mayfair
W1K 4HR

Tel: 020 7629 8860

Brown’s Hotel
33 Albemarle Street
Westminster
W1S 4BP

Tel: 020 7493 6020

Podium Restaurant
London Hilton
22 Park Lane
Mayfair
W1K 1BE

Telephone: 020 7493 8000

Waterhouse Restaurant
10 Orsman Rd
Shoreditch
N1 5QJ

Tel: 020 7033 0123

Rabot Estate
2 Stoney Street
Borough
SE1 9AA

Tel: 020 7403 9852

Rococo Chocolates
45 Marylebone High Street
Marylebone
W1U 5HG

Tel: 020 7935 7780

Northbank Restaurant
One Paul’s Walk
EC4V 3QH

Tel: 020 7329 9299