The Chocolate Show Is Coming To Lonodon
Wouldn’t it be nice if the world was chocolate? With chocolates, truffles, fudge, chocolate spread and chocolate alcoholic beverages surrounding me I was in a chocolate lovers heaven last night at The Chocolate Show.
This fabulous event has returned to London for a fifth year in a row. It showcases chocolatiers, chocolate companies, pastry makers and artisans from around the globe. Running in partnership with Chocolate Week (9-15 October), the event is one big celebration of the chocolate industry.
Chocolate on display was from Brazil, Malaysia, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Germany, Ecuador and more. Percentage of cocoa ranged from 30% to around 80%. Big brands are on display as are small brands trying to come onto the UK market. For chocolate treats, a particular favourite was Goufrais- The Cool Treat, a ring cake shaped treat coated in 100% cocoa. Coming in a range of sizes it is a fabulous gift option. Choctails looked a stunning creation of chocolates inspired by cocktails
There was also nougat, brownie and fudge on offer. Yum Yum Tree Fudge had a fantastic array of flavours including Christmas pudding, mango, apple, and mint chocolate chic, along with a number of the usual flavours.
For those who have previously been, there are two new features this year. One is the Choco d’ART exhibition in which famous works such as Mona Lisa, The Scream by Edward Munch and Starry Night by Van Gough to name a few, are recreated by chocolatiers using, you guessed it, chocolate. My friend purchased these stunning chocolates that display some of Picasso’s work on them. The second is the Chocolate Bar, where you can try perfectly paired wine and chocolate.
For the alcohol lovers, we were both delighted by Hudson and Bond’s Chocolate in a Bottle sparkling wine from France. At £20 we just had to buy a bottle of this deliciousness. Eberel chocolate and fruit liqueur drinks by Imagine Chocolates were also a hit. Flavours we tasted included: vanille creme, white truffle chocolate with champagne, chocolate and chilli, and chocolate, orange and rum. Two different sizes are available for each flavour and these would also make fabulous gifts (both for yourself and others). The chocolate cocktail by Guittard Chocolate was deliciously decadent.
Along with all the brands and taste-tests on display, events will include masterclasses and tastings, demonstrations by top UK chiefs, a live decoration of a 1.9m chocolate wall, and the judging of the Chocolate Dessert of the Year.
The Chocolate Show is from 13-15 October at the National Hall, Olympia. Open 11am to 7pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday, and 10am-6pm Sunday.
Ticket prices are: adults £15 on door or £12.50 in advance; child (4-10 years of age) £10 on door or £8 in advance; family (2 adults abd 2 children) £40 on door or £35 in advance; concession £12.50 on door or £10 in advance.
Address: National Hall, Olympia, Hamnmersmith Road, London, W14 8UX.
Website: http://www.thechocolateshow.co.uk/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thelondonchocolateshow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chocolateshow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelondonchocolateshow/
Written by Caitlin Neal
