Hot Chocolate Tour of London

It was kind of accidental, but on our most recent trip to London, we ended up on a hot chocolate tour!

London is a fantastic city, full of holiday cheer, and visiting during the Christmas and Hanukkah season was truly magical. As we ventured through the city, we came across several holiday markets in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and The South Bank, along with stunning lights in Covent Garden.

The weather was chilly during our stay, and what better way to warm up on a winter evening than with hot chocolate? This sweet, indulgent drink—a combination of rich chocolate, sugar, marshmallows, and whipped cream—was the perfect companion to our holiday adventures. However, not all hot chocolate is created equal, and my family’s resident critic, Daire, rated each cup with a simple thumbs up or thumbs down.

Tiffany Blue Box Café

The most expensive hot chocolate of our trip was at the Tiffany Blue Box Café. This “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” experience was certainly a treat. The tea, champagne, and food were absolutely incredible. It was the best breakfast of the trip, and if not for the price tag, I could have eaten there every day. Eggs Florentine and the croissant are a must when visiting London, particularly at Harrods.

Unfortunately, the hot chocolate at this spot earned a thumbs down. It was a dark chocolate variety—more bitter than sweet—which didn’t suit Daire’s taste. While the ambiance was enjoyable and great for families, the hot chocolate was not a highlight.

South Bank Christmas Market

When we arrived in London after an overnight flight, we headed straight to the South Bank to explore. This area, near the London Eye, is bustling with activity and iconic sights like Big Ben. While strolling, we stumbled upon a lively Christmas Market featuring vendors, a carousel, bars, bands, and street performers.

Our first hot chocolate of the trip came from a street vendor at the market, offering Dark, Milk, and White Hot Chocolate. We opted for the Milk Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. Freshly made, it was one of the best—though I couldn’t tell you the vendor or the specific type of chocolate. For this round, street food was the clear winner!

Near Buckingham Palace

Hot Chocolate #3 came from a kiosk near Buckingham Palace. It received a quick thumbs down from Daire. While it wasn’t remarkable, it was a welcome treat after a long walk and, at just £4, was far from the worst thing in the world.

Trafalgar Square German Market

Even though this blog is about hot chocolate, I’d be remiss not to recommend booking theatre tickets when traveling to London. The theatre scene is spectacular—better than New York City and more affordable too! After one show, we wandered over to Trafalgar Square to admire the Hanukkah menorah, the Christmas tree, and the bustling German Market.

The market was incredible, featuring craft vendors and German food stalls. Then we found it: a Belgian chocolate stand offering both chocolate-covered fruit from a chocolate fountain and Belgian Hot Chocolate. This was, by far, the best hot chocolate of the trip. Daire’s Milk Chocolate selection, made with fresh whole milk and silky Belgian chocolate, was outstanding. The Trafalgar Square Winter Market hot chocolate was the ultimate winner, and we’ll definitely seek it out again on future visits.

Planning for the Unexpected

When it comes to traveling, the weeks leading up to a big trip often bring a flood of “what if” questions. What if someone gets sick? What if the flight is canceled? What if there’s an accident? With so many unknowns, especially during the busy holiday season, I find it important to have a Plan B—or at least some insurance—to protect against unforeseen events and expenses.

For this trip, I purchased a simple but comprehensive travel insurance policy. It covered medical emergencies, accidents, medivac services, and trip cancellation or interruption. This peace of mind was a minor expense compared to the rest of the trip. If you’re planning your own travels, I highly recommend exploring travel insurance options to safeguard your journey. Protect your trip today by using LG Insurance Agency’s Travel Medical Insurance!

Happy travels and warm cups of hot chocolate!