Where to buy craft chocolate in the UK

Buying craft chocolate is easy, you just need to know where to look. It's still a very niche market and not as visible as it could be.

These listings are by no means complete, but they’re intended to give you a starting point, based on my own buying experience here in the UK 

Getting hold of a specific bar can be more of a challenge. Harvest dates, availability of cacao and batch sizes all affect the supply of fine chocolate. That said, your options are considerable - and when your favourite bar is out of stock, it's the perfect opportunity to try something new!

Living in a small market town in Lincolnshire, I have no access to retail shops that stock a range of craft chocolate, so, with the exception of Duffy’s Chocolate — and I'm very aware how lucky I am to have a world-class maker just down the road in Cleethorpes — all my buying is done either online or at shows and markets.

DIRECT FROM THE UK MAKERS

Going directly to the maker is an excellent way to begin your chocolate journey. Some makers have retail outlets, cafes and workshop areas and some stock bars from other makers too. If you find yourself in Orford in Suffolk for example, Pump Street Bakery opened a new chocolate shop in 2019 and showcase other craft makers alongside their own chocolate.

Your first step is to find your nearest maker. Try their bars and then try as many different makers as you can. If you make a trip to Nottingham don't leave without looking up Luisa's Artisan Chocolates; if you find yourself in Sheffield seek out Bullion Chocolate; if you land in Glasgow, you can't miss Bare Bones Chocolate.

To find your nearest maker, consult the UK & Ireland Craft Chocolate Makers map in My Maps. This has been put together with the help of the UK IICCT alumni community. I haven't visited all these makers to verify their processes and sourcing but you can ask them! A good maker will want to tell you everything.

Just click the map to access and if you find any makers that are not listed on here or if sadly, they are no longer trading, please let me know via hello@cocoaencounters.co.uk

For more information on the makers in this list. Food writer Jennifer Earle gives a background to makers on her blog post featuring British and Irish Chocolate Makers.

ONLINE CRAFT CHOCOLATE RETAILERS

Cocoa Runners:  God bless Cocoa Runners and their extensive chocolate library! The Cocoa Runners team has introduced me to some amazing makers and origins—initially through their subscription service, and later through the chocolate explorer’s dream that is their chocolate library, with its hundreds of bars showcasing styles, origins, and makers from all over the world. UK postage starts at £4.95 for general purchases.

You sometimes have to wait for bars to come back in stock, but some things are worth waiting for! Cocoa Runners

Chocolate Seekers: Online retailer Chocolate Seekers, based in Kettering, is a gem of a website. This labour of love is run by Carlene and Brian, who have chosen to stock some of their favourite makers and bars—including Jasper + Myrtle from Canberra, who work with beans from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, and multi-allergen-free bars from makers like Storm & Bille and Orfève. There’s lots to explore here, including Hummingbird and the superb Soma bars. Postage starts at £1.95 for UK delivery.: Chocolate Seekers

UK CRAFT CHOCOLATE RETAILERS

The picture above shows Kosak in Paris. I visited in 2019 and marvelled at the range of makers all under one roof. It made me a little sad to think we didn't have similar places in the UK. Since then, however, I’ve found one—in Yorkshire! The brilliantly named Pot and Pineapple in Whitby has a range limited only by the number of shelves, and you’ll also find the knowledge and passion on hand to help you choose.
(Pictured below: me and owner Emma Hatchard, Whitby, May 2025)

You’ll also find fine chocolate among more premium ranges in major retailers such as Selfridges, Harrods, and Fortnum & Mason. If you know what you're looking for, that's great—but what these stores generally lack is insight into craft chocolate: the ability to guide you through the different brands, makers, and qualities of chocolate lining their shelves.

Try your local chocolatier or specialist tea and coffee houses too, as many are beginning to stock craft chocolate. And if you discover any more gems like this one, please let me know!

CHOCOLATE MARKETS & FAIRS

Chocolate fairs are one of the best places to shop for craft chocolate—a chance to meet the makers, attend tastings, and stock up on new and favourite bars. After any chocolate show, social media is awash with images competing for the title of most impressive chocolate “haul” or “stash.” I admit to making a few such posts myself. Annual festivals include the Brighton Chocolate Festival, (September/October) and you can also check online retailer Cocoa Runners for dates of markets in London.

For international shows throughout the year, look into Salon du Chocolat - our nearest is in Paris -or pop across to Amsterdam for Chocoa in February. If you do, my only advice is to take a big bag for your own haul - and don't forget to tag me on Instagram when you do!

Happy craft chocolate hunting!