A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Birmingham
It’s not too late to pick up some chocolatey Christmas gifts for the big day!
By Maisy Farren | Updated Apr 21 2022
Birmingham is a go-to spot for chocoholics. Itâs the birthplace of the beloved brand Cadbury, a place with heaps of independent chocolate shopsand a spot for chocolatey cocktails! Whether youâre planning a trip there or stocking up on gifts for friends and family, here are Brumâs hot (chocolate) spots.
Head to Cadbury World
An amazing day out for both adults and children, Cadbury World is a must-visit for chocolate lovers everywhere. Start off on a self-guided tour of the original Cadbury factory, learning about the origins of the coco bean in the Aztec jungle before heading to the cobbled streets of Victorian England. Youâll find out about the integral part that the factory played to the surrounding community, as well as the manufacturing methods for some of Cadburyâs current best sellers. The smell of chocolate fills every corner of the attraction and Cadburyâs chocolate bars are readily handed out for free along the way! At the end youâll get chance to make your own DIY chocolate creation and splash some cash on one-off pressies in the worldâs largest Cadbury gift shop.
Tickets to the attraction must be bought online in advance - click here for tickets.
Shop Chouchoute for tasty gifts
Located in the Great Western Arcade, Chouchoute was Birminghamâs first independent chocolate shop and is still one of the best places to drop in for chocoholic gifts. Chouchoute is the French for being pampered or treated, an ethos certainly played out in the luxury gift hampers in store. The shop sells both classic flavours and exciting creations, with selections of chocolates available to buy in assorted boxes, posh hampers or simply on their own. They also take orders online and deliver to your door! Elsewhere in Birmingham you can also find chocolate lovers gifts at three various Hotel Chocolat shops or at the Thorntons on the High Street!
Stop off at 6/8 Kafé for Hot Chocolate
One of Birminghamâs most popular independent coffee shops is 6/8 Kafé, a shop thatâs won multiple awards and been featured in The Independentâs Top 50 Coffee Shops list! Their biggest seller is their coffee, which is well sourced and brewed using the best of coffee-based technology. However, these guys know how to whip up a tasty hot chocolate and offer tasty milk, white and dark confectionery by Birminghamâs Peel & Stone Bakery.
Once youâve tried 6/8 Kaféâs hot chocolatey offerings then take a trip to Coffee Tales, another popular café in the heart of Birminghamâs Jewellery District. Here youâll find sumptuous dark chocolate drinks that come laden with whipped cream, or even a totally indulgent black forest gâteaux hot chocolate!
Make your own with The Chocolate Quarter!
Stay in the Jewellery Quarter for some hands-on chocolate experiences, visiting The Chocolate Shop to pick up gifts, treats and take part in coco workshops. With sessions suitable for kids, teens and adults, these do it yourself evenings make an excellent party venue or group activity. The evenings are extremely taste focused, with tasting notes and trials throughout the evening to truly get the most out of the delicious ingredients. Experiences like the private chocolate masterclass or bean to bar experience include complimentary prosecco, whilst the kidâs events offer gift bags to take home. Donât fancy getting your hands dirty? The gourmet chocolate tasting experience offers chance to taste some different treats and relax with a drink.
Visit The Chocolate Quarterâs Chocolate Experiences page for more information.
Grab a boozy chocolate cocktail at Ana Rocha
Creative cocktails are on the menu at Fredrick Streetâs Ana Rocha, where you can indulge in their luxury Spanish Mudslide. This delicious drink features a Crema Catalana Spanish liqueur with coffee liqueur and chocolate sauce. Pair a sugar rush with a boozy buzz after enjoying this drink, and donât expect to be able to drink too many of these! Elsewhere in Birmingham youâll find a Dark Chocolate Negroni at Bar Opus or a Chocolate Orange Smasherac at The Alchemist.