Did you know that the first bar of chocolate, as we know it today, was produced by a Bristol company, Fry & Son, in 1847? But whatever shape or form, everyone loves the taste of chocolate. The only thing that makes it sweeter is chocolate from a local chocolatier. Multiple independent chocolate shops in Bristol and beyond offer handmade and decadent chocolates for all occasions, luckily.
There’s so much sweetness to be had in this city. So whether you’re after a last-minute anniversary gift or you just want to treat yourself – because you deserve to – there are some super sweet chocolate shops in Bristol. Check out our guide to some of the best Bristol chocolatiers for great treats for that someone special.
1. Bar Chocolat
This Clifton gem is a chocolate lover’s haven. Their chocolates vary from salted caramels, chocolate flake truffles, praline seashells and white chocolate caramel hearts. There are also other treats to choose from including ice cream and brownies and there are some beautifully-crafted truffles in either milk, white or dark chocolate. Bar Chocolat also stocks vegan selection boxes using oat milk ganache with flavours such as orange; pineapple; Bakewell tart; lime; spiced rum; raspberry and coffee.
Bar Chocolat, 19, The Mall, Clifton Village, BS8 4JG
2. Zara’s Chocolates
If you’re ever in the street art area of Southville then Zara’s Chocolates is definitely worth having a visit. And you can’t miss it with the brightly coloured mural above the shop front. Zara’s produce fun chocolate creations that are likely to make someone’s day due to their colourful and unique designs. Their chocolate bites come in classic milk, dark and white chocolate and in varying flavours like orange and caramel; butterscotch and pecan; mint and lavender; raspberry and rose; and coffee and sea salt.
Plus, there are numerous chocolate selection boxes starting from six pieces and up to 50 pieces (don’t mind if we do). Some other unique creations include their single snack bars in four flavours- almond and cherry praline; dark salted hazelnut and caramel; almond marzipan; and coconut and raspberry marshmallow. Phwoar!
Zara’s Chocolates, 200 North Street, Southville, BS3 1JF
3. Radek’s Chocolate
This chocolate brand was born in Bristol and still has a shop here today, but can be found stocked all over the country. Radek’s Chocolate produces fair trade, organic chocolate with plenty of vegan options too. It’s arguably not the world’s most eye-catching chocolate, but is a perfect gift for the environmentally conscious.
Units 4 & 5, 5 Clay Hill, Bristol BS5 7ES
4. Guilbert’s Chocolates
According to this Bristol chocolate shop’s website, it offers “cocoa-inspired works of art in place of the ordinary mass-produced chocolates”. Guilbert’s Chocolates offers delectable chocolate perfect to enjoy whenever you feel like indulging. You can order book boxes where opening the cover unveils wonderful handcrafted chocolates. Guilbert’s is perfect if you’re looking to send someone a little slice (or bite) of Bristol, especially with their beautiful tins featuring Bristol landmarks like Clifton Suspension Bridge on the front.
Guilbert’s Chocolates, 16/17 Small Street, BS1 1DE
5. Mrs Pott’s Chocolate House
Located close to the University of Bristol, Mrs Pott’s Chocolate House has been making chocolates for quite some time and remains a firm favourite with local Bristolians. The chocolate shop offers homemade marshmallows, chocolate-coated honeycomb, classic chocolate bars, Rocky Road, as well as chocolatey cakes and brownies.
However, we recommend you try Mrs Pott’s gourmet bars such as one with a fluffy vanilla marshmallow layer, followed by a soft smooth vanilla bean caramel and a crunchy white chocolate base, which is enrobed in 58% dark chocolate. Plus, there’s even one gourmet bar that features a peanut butter gianduja base and pretzels. However, if you’re after some tasty treats for someone special, Mrs Pott’s Chocolate House hampers with flaked hot chocolate are the perfect indulgent gift too.
Mrs Pott’s Chocolate House, 50 Park Street, BS1 5JN
6. Lisa’s Chocolate
If you’re in search of an elegant sweet treat this Montpelier chocolate shop could be the place to visit. The chocolates at Lisa’s Chocolate have a marvellous sheen to their shells and are decorated in interesting patterns that are hand-painted. Each large dark chocolate egg from the chocolate shop comes with some miniature dark chocolate eggs as a wonderful surprise.
Choose from galactic gold and blue, multi-coloured paint brush strokes or dried raspberry topped chocolates, for instance, all within a selection box ranging from four to 24 pieces. They also offer chocolate thins in various flavours as well as cakes such as white chocolate caramel and cocoa nibs carrot cake and summer berries Black Forest gateau, plus hot cocoa bombs.
Lisa’s Chocolates, 192 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5RB
7. Cocoa Libre
It may be one of the furthest chocolate shops from Bristol but their online shop is a dream come true for those with allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements. Cocoa Libre in Yatton produces both vegan and free from chocolates hand-crafted with rice milk as a creamy alternative to dairy, plus they are free of nuts, peanuts, gluten and wheat.
The Bristol chocolate shop rice milk chocolate slabs as well as offering them as a selection box if you can’t quite decide which free from chocolates you fancy. The chocolatier also offers cute boxes of rice milk chocolate chicks, sheep, frogs or owls that are not only adorable but cruelty-free.
Cocoa Libre, Unit 5, Market Industrial Estate, Yatton, BS49 4RF