Solkiki is a British bean-to-bar chocolate maker, run by Bob and Iris - a couple dedicated to vegan, organic, and sustainable small-batch production. Their work is grounded in direct trade with cacao growers, sourcing beans from distinctive terroirs such as Chuao - Venezuela), Marañón - Peru, and the Philippines, with a special focus on rare and aromatically rich cacao varieties. Every stage of production - from roasting and grinding to packaging - is done by hand, ensuring quality control and allowing room for creative flavor experimentation. Their range includes both classic dark and white chocolates infused with unique ingredients like banana, peanut, coconut, Madagascan vanilla, and even spices such as anise. Solkiki blends passion, knowledge, and sustainability to craft chocolate that honors the origin of its raw materials while delivering an exceptional sensory experience.
Awards
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
(2024, 2023, 2022, 2018)
Åkesson’s Organic is a brand led by Bertil Åkesson, built on family-owned cacao plantations in Madagascar, Brazil, and Indonesia. The most renowned is the plantation in the Sambirano Valley in the Ambanja region of Madagascar, where cacao is cultivated alongside spices such as pepper. This approach supports biodiversity and shapes the distinctive aromatic profile of the beans. The company was registered in London in 2013, which today serves as its administrative and commercial headquarters. The chocolates are always single-origin, with each bar reflecting the terroir of its cacao - from the fruity and tangy notes of Madagascan varieties to the deeper, earthier tones of Brazilian cacao. The range includes dark and white chocolates, as well as varieties enhanced with spices such as black or pink pepper, which highlight the uniqueness and diversity of the terroir. Åkesson’s Organic is recognized for combining authentic flavor with clearly defined origins and a consistent respect for nature and local communities.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
(2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011)
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
(2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
Eponine Patisserie, based in North West England, specializes in crafting high-quality chocolates and patisserie products. This artisan producer has received multiple awards for their confections, highlighting their commitment to excellence in the field of fine chocolate and desserts. They use fine ingredients and innovative techniques to create unique flavor profiles.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
(2021, 2018, 2016)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
(2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, headquartered in London. The company was founded by Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris in 2004. Hotel Chocolat owns a cocoa plantation in Saint Lucia, allowing them to control the entire production process from bean to bar. They operate a variety of retail locations across the UK and have an international presence with stores in the United States and Japan.
Paul Wayne Gregory is a London-based chocolate producer who founded his own premium chocolate brand. He specializes in creating handcrafted chocolates and is known for using pure, natural ingredients without preservatives. His offerings include a range of individual chocolates, truffles, and themed collections for various occasions.
Dormouse Chocolates is an independent bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Manchester, founded in 2014 by Isobel Carse. The brand is known for its small-batch, handcrafted chocolates, complete transparency in sourcing, and strong ethical commitment to cacao growers. Their range includes dark, milk, and white chocolates, often labeled as single origin or single estate, with the region and cacao percentage clearly indicated. Dormouse pays particular attention to experimental flavor combinations - from classic varieties to collaborations with tea brands such as Cha-ology, blending cacao with matcha or houjicha tea. Their studio at Deansgate Mews in Manchester serves as both a workshop and a tasting space, allowing visitors to experience the chocolate-making process firsthand. Today, Dormouse Chocolates is recognized as a pioneer of the British bean-to-bar movement and a model of authentic artisanal craftsmanship in the contemporary chocolate industry.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
(2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017)
Winchester Cocoa Company is a British maker of handcrafted chocolate based in Winchester, Hampshire, renowned for combining artisanal precision, authenticity, and high-quality ingredients. The brand was founded on the belief that chocolate should be honest, ethically produced, and made from raw materials with transparent origins. Its production relies on carefully selected cacao beans from sustainable sources, most often from Central and South America, following fair-trade principles and supporting smallholder farmers. Winchester Cocoa Company stands out for its single-origin chocolate bars, elegant praline collections, and luxurious gift assortments that reflect a blend of British tradition and modern craftsmanship. Each batch is produced in small quantities, entirely by hand, using only natural ingredients - organic milk, real fruit juices, nuts, and carefully chosen spices, with no artificial additives. Special attention is given to the balance of flavor, texture, and finish, giving every chocolate a distinctive depth and character. Thanks to this approach, Winchester Cocoa Company has earned its place on the British gourmet scene as a luxury yet approachable brand, designed for those who appreciate pure, authentic, and artisan-crafted chocolate.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
(2021, 2016, 2015)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
(2023, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016)
Jaz & Jul's Chocolate House, located in London, specializes in ethically sourced, organic chocolate. They are known for their unique approach to chocolate making, incorporating a wide range of flavors and spices. The company also runs chocolate-making workshops and tasting sessions, emphasizing sustainable and fair trade practices in their sourcing of ingredients.
Kokoa Collection, based in Bedford, specializes in producing single-origin hot chocolate. They source premium cocoa beans from various regions worldwide, each chosen for their distinctive flavors. The company offers their hot chocolate in different forms, including tablets and flakes, allowing for varied preparation methods tailored to individual tastes.
The William Curley brand represents the pinnacle of British luxury in the world of chocolate, blending classic French techniques, Japanese precision, and Scottish authenticity. Founded in 2004, the brand evolved from its founder’s personal philosophy - that every chocolate should be a work of art, not merely a confection. Each creation reflects meticulous craftsmanship, the use of only the finest ingredients, and a complete absence of artificial additives. All chocolates are made using high-quality couverture chocolate, characterized by carefully balanced flavor profiles and refined textures. Produced in small batches in London, they ensure both freshness and exceptional quality control. Beyond chocolate, the brand offers delicate pâtisserie creations, seasonal collections, and gift assortments often inspired by art and festive traditions. Through his brand, William Curley has built a distinctive identity that unites tradition with innovation, establishing himself among the most respected chocolatiers in the United Kingdom. His philosophy rests on the belief that true luxury lies not in quantity but in the intrinsic quality of each creation. In addition to production, the brand is devoted to education - hosting workshops, consultancy programs, and collaborations with fine dining establishments and luxury hotels. Over two decades, William Curley has become a symbol of artisanal excellence and a source of inspiration for the contemporary European chocolate scene.
Awards
Academy of Chocolate - Gold
(2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005)
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
(2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005)
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot,
nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable.
For the “Top 41 English Chocolate Confectioneries” list until May 29, 2026, 22 ratings were recorded, of which 20 were recognized by the system as legitimate.
TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods,
instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.
The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews.
The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.