Hampton Court Palace

Historical place · Hampton Court

4

@atlasobscura

10 Places for Chocolate-Lovers Around the World

"In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, no treat connoted wealth, power, and exclusivity in London’s high-class circles quite like hot chocolate. Chocolate was relatively new in England, and it became a lavish hot drink, mixed with spices, milk or water, and sugar. And as luxurious, expensive commodities captured the country’s attention, royalty took them to a new level of opulence. Charles II, an early adopter of the trend, employed Hampton Court Palace’s first chocolatier in 1686. Four years later, William III and Mary II added a chocolate kitchen to the palace, which George I and George II subsequently enjoyed during their reigns.  The chocolate kitchen was staffed by a chocolate maker and included a separate “chocolate room” for precious porcelain, china, and silver used to serve it. William and Mary drank chocolate at breakfast, in their bedroom, and during a ceremony that involved getting dressed in front of select guests. The king was a particularly big fan and often drank chocolate throughout the day. In 1717, George I hired Thomas Tosier, who owned a business on “Chocolate Row” in Greenwich, London, with his wife, Grace. She managed the business, while Thomas worked at court. While another member of the staff likely handled the labor-intensive process of grinding the beans, Tosier flavored and spiced the chocolate, which he then pounded into discs. When chocolate ceased to be the epitome of status, the royal chocolate kitchens were forgotten and sat as an undiscovered store room for centuries. In 2013, a curator found the space after reading an 18th-century inventory that mentioned its precise location. The kitchen, which reopened in February 2014, retains most of its original fixtures, including a brick stove and a fireplace. The Georgian shelves, cupboard, and fold-down table used by Tosier to prepare the drink are all still attached to the wall. The chocolate kitchen and room are now open to the public. You’ll have to imagine the sound of staff working and the smell of roasting cocoa filling the corridors, but you can taste historic chocolate flights in the Fountain Court café." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/chocolate
Ian Bottle (Alamy Stock Photo)

Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom Get directions

hrp.org.uk

4 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

The Ledbury

Modern European restaurant · Westbourne

The Ledbury, a sleek Notting Hill gem run by chef Brett Graham, serves exceptional British-inspired dishes in a relaxed but refined space, perfect for special occasions.

15 Postcards

Quince Bakery

Bakery · Islington

Nestled in Islington, Quince Bakery is a cozy haven for lovers of rustic British bakes, featuring standout treats like the nostalgia-inducing rice pudding tart and a variety of country loaves.

2 Postcards

YORI (Covent Garden)

Korean restaurant · Aldwych

Yori is a laid-back spot near Piccadilly Circus serving an array of tasty Korean dishes, from sizzling BBQ to comforting stews, all in a cozy vibe.

2 Postcards

Soho House 76 Dean Street

Social club · Soho

Soho House 76 Dean Street blends cozy Georgian charm with vibrant dining, a cinema, and a welcoming vibe, making it a must-visit private members’ club in London.

3 Postcards

La Saporita London

Restaurant · Finsbury Park

La Saporita is a cozy Italian gem near Finsbury Park, serving up delightful pizzas, pastas, and tantalizing antipasti in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

3 Postcards

Mr Bao - Taiwanese Restaurant Peckham

Taiwanese restaurant · Nunhead

Nestled in Peckham, Mr. Bao serves up irresistible Taiwanese steamed buns bursting with flavor, alongside crafty cocktails in a cozy, casual vibe.

24 Postcards

Hakkasan Hanway Place

Cantonese restaurant · Fitzrovia

Dive into a dazzling realm at Hakkasan Hanway, where exquisite dim sum and inventive cocktails thrive amid a chic, vibrant atmosphere.

5 Postcards

Deeney's

Cafe · Leyton

Deeney’s in Leyton serves up inventive toasties, renowned Scottish breakfasts, and a chill vibe perfect for brunch lovers or a casual catch-up.

2 Postcards

The White Onion

French restaurant · Wimbledon

At The White Onion, you can indulge in exquisitely prepared French cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a cozy night out.

1 Postcard

Flesh & Buns Oxford Circus

Japanese restaurant · Fitzrovia

Dive into this chic Izakaya-style spot for creative steamed buns and an impressive open kitchen, all while indulging in pisco cocktails at your whim.

1 Postcard