Roast & Conch - The New Chocolate Cafe

Most of you will have heard of Hotel Chocolat. They make all sorts of delicious chocolates and their range is affordable and delightful. This year Hotel Chocolat opened their first chocolate cafe store. It's called Roast & Conch and it is currently situated at Seven Dials (Covent Garden).

I was impressed. I was wishing someone would open a cafe especially targeted at chocolate drinkers, so my wish was granted when I visited this place. It has 2 floors. When you enter Roast & Conch, it appears to be like a typical Hotel Chocolat store. Then there's a ground floor or 'basement' rather, where you descend and that is where you sit and sip your hot chocolate.

The only thing I felt that was lacking there was the choice of hot chocolates. There were a couple to choose from but not many, so I do hope they customise the drinks more.

I had a normal hot chocolate and I have to say....it was very satisfying! Perhaps...just perhaps...my coffee replacement.

PAUL's - The Cafe I've been waiting for

PAUL's cafe is taking London by storm. One is opening litterally on every street corner and the queues are slowly building up. People are choosing to opt for Paul's rather than their usual Starbucks, Costa or Cafe Nero. Including me.

When I was in Paris, one of the things I loved the most about the city was their homely cafes and I felt that this was one thing London was lacking. Sure, there was Starbucks everywhere you'd go, but to me, cafes like Starbucks started to seem more commercialised as time went by. I missed the rich tasting chocolate and the fine coffees that I tasted in Paris. I missed the homely welcoming warmth of a cafe that Paris had - an experience that would cost you a lot in London.

So when I first heard about Paul's, I was excited and I did not wait long to try some of their products.

One of the first things I tried was their chocolate cake. It was one of the most delicious cakes I have ever tasted. I shall try to find out its name. And then I tried their mocha - which turned out to be amazing. Although, I have to note that at certain times, it can be a hit and miss. I learnt that some Paul's do their mochas better than others.


And then I tried this hot chocolate, which helped me through revision. It's so rich, delightful and satisfying. At £5.50 it is expensive, but once in a while, it's a wonderful treat. The texture is just right. No sugar is needed. The colour is rich. The smell is yummy. Everything is in balance! And to me, this has to be the best hot chocolate out there.









Bigger sized macaroons are sold in different flavours. I think I tried the pecan flavoured one (I remember its colour was brown but it was not coffee or chocolate) and I have to say...it was a real delight. It's like biting into a cloud ^.^

I wanted to try out every flavour, so I got this pack to trial them all out. At £8 a box, again, it is expensive, but once in a while, it's a wonderful little treat.

Captured with the Canon 7D

Captured with the Canon 7D

And it goes very well with freshly brewed cream tea...



So if you happen to see a PAUL's on your way, I highly recommend it. I cannot wait to sit in one of their cafes. I haven't had the time to visit one properly so far but I know that I will be finding myself there many many times...

Costa's vs. Cafe Nero's Hot Chocolate

Which is your favourite hot chocolate?

Having tried several hot chocolates, including Starbucks, I limited it down to Costa's & Cafe Nero's hot chocolate.
They're both yummy!

These are Cafe Nero's hot chocolate Milano. It's very rich, slightly thicker than your usual hot chocolate and the cream on top further adds to the richness of this.

If you're having this, I'd strongly advise not to get any chocolate based foods (like the muffin featured), to avoid feeling sick (haha ...!).

This is a real treat. It's not something I'd get everyday but perfect for when you're having those cravings ^.^

And here's Costa's hot chocolate. This is more like the typical hot chocolate you're familiar with. It's light, frothy and will go along with anything at a cafe. What I also like are the marshmallows that came along with it! Plus the tall glass is much more suited (me thinks) compared to Starbucks' mug.

If I had to pick between the two, it would have to be a tie!