It’s not too late to pick up some chocolatey Christmas gifts for the big day!
Birmingham is a go-to spot for chocoholics. It’s the birthplace of the beloved brand Cadbury, a place with heaps of independent chocolate shopsand a spot for chocolatey cocktails! Whether you’re planning a trip there or stocking up on gifts for friends and family, here are Brum’s 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. You’ll find out about the integral part that the factory played to the surrounding community, as well as the manufacturing methods for some of Cadbury’s current best sellers. The smell of chocolate fills every corner of the attraction and Cadbury’s chocolate bars are readily handed out for free along the way! At the end you’ll get chance to make your own DIY chocolate creation and splash some cash on one-off pressies in the world’s 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 Birmingham’s 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 Birmingham’s most popular independent coffee shops is 6/8 Kafé, a shop that’s won multiple awards and been featured in The Independent’s 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 Birmingham’s Peel & Stone Bakery.
Once you’ve tried 6/8 Kafé’s hot chocolatey offerings then take a trip to Coffee Tales, another popular café in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery District. Here you’ll 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 kid’s events offer gift bags to take home. Don’t 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 Quarter’s Chocolate Experiences page for more information.
Grab a boozy chocolate cocktail at Ana Rocha
Creative cocktails are on the menu at Fredrick Street’s 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 don’t expect to be able to drink too many of these! Elsewhere in Birmingham you’ll find a Dark Chocolate Negroni at Bar Opus or a Chocolate Orange Smasherac at The Alchemist.