Charbonnel et Walker
TO DESCRIBE CHARBONNEL ET WALKER as the grande dame of London chocolatiers is appropriate in more ways than one. Now so thoroughly English in both product and atmosphere – there’s a reason it holds the warrant of Her Majesty The Queen – it traces its origins to two women, one of whom, Madame Charbonnel, was very French indeed. When, in 1875, the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) sampled her delectable wares, he enticed her over from Paris to set up business in his hometown. There, Madame Charbonnel entered into partnership with one Mrs Walker, who specialised in making the elaborate boxes in which to purvey the goods. The rest is history of the melt-in-the-mouth variety.
Given its illustrious pedigree and clientele, it makes sense that Charbonnel et Walker’s flagship store is located at Nº 1, The Royal Arcade. Lined with all manner of sweet treats, it’s something of a walk-in chocolate box itself. Look closely at the labels on the trays under the counter and you’ll descry that some bear numbers. The lower the number, the older the recipe for that particular chocolate. Ground Zero, so to speak, is the Crown: a blend of dark chocolate, hazelnut, butter, marzipan and dark whisky. The legendary pink champagne truffles are the runaway best-sellers, but I confess myself more partial to the late Queen Mum’s favourite rose or violet creams.
See also: Fortnum & Mason
