Top 18 English Dark Chocolates

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.Expand

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.Expand

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.Expand

Rococo Chocolates is a British premium chocolate maker founded in London in 1983 by Chantal Coady, one of the pioneering figures of the modern British chocolate industry. The company was established with the aim of offering a more creative and artisanal approach to fine chocolate, combining high-quality ingredients with distinctive flavors and elegant design.

Over the decades, Rococo has become one of the United Kingdom’s most recognizable luxury chocolate brands, known for its innovative flavor combinations featuring ingredients such as rose, violet, sea salt, exotic spices, and fruits. The company places a strong emphasis on ethical cocoa sourcing and has long supported sustainable cocoa-growing initiatives, particularly through partnerships with producers in Grenada.

Its range includes chocolate bars, pralines, truffles, fondant creams, drinking chocolates, and luxury gift collections. Rococo is also renowned for its signature blue-and-white packaging inspired by the Rococo artistic style, which has become an iconic element of the brand’s identity.

Through its dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and quality, Rococo Chocolates has earned numerous industry accolades and a reputation as one of Britain’s leading artisan chocolate makers. Expand

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.Expand

Chika Watanabe Chocolatiere is a London-based chocolate producer founded by Chika Watanabe. This chocolatier is known for crafting artisanal chocolates that emphasize high-quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship.

Chika Watanabe often incorporates unique flavor profiles and aesthetic designs into their chocolates, appealing to gourmet and artisanal chocolate enthusiasts. The chocolatier also sources sustainable and ethically produced cocoa beans to ensure a high standard of production and environmental responsibility.Expand

Pump Street Chocolate is an artisan chocolate producer based in Woodbridge, Suffolk, known for crafting small-batch chocolate from beans sourced directly from single estates and cooperatives. They initially started as a bakery before venturing into bean-to-bar chocolate production.

Pump Street also emphasizes transparency in their sourcing and production processes, providing detailed information about the origin and profiles of their chocolates.Expand

Thorntons is a chocolate company established in 1911 in Sheffield, England, by Joseph William Thornton. It specializes in the production of chocolate, toffee, and other confectionery products.

Thorntons operates both its own branded retail stores and an accompanying online store, catering to a broad range of chocolate lovers. In 2015, the company was acquired by Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant.Expand

Wicked and Wonderful is a chocolate producer based in England that crafts artisan chocolates. They use high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients to produce a variety of chocolate products, including truffles and chocolate bars.

Their offerings often feature unique flavor combinations.Expand

Chocolarder, located in Falmouth, is a chocolate producer established in 2012. They focus on crafting ethically sourced and sustainably produced bean-to-bar chocolate.

The company uses organic ingredients and collaborates closely with farmers to ensure fair trade practices. Chocolarder also prioritizes environmental sustainability in their production processes.Expand