Support Your Local Chocolate Makers (but Order Online)

Update: I made a chocolate shop finder that shows you where your nearest chocolate shop right now! Check it out as it includes the data shown below but in a much more pleasing format.

There's nothing quite like a crisis to spur on community spirit and enterprise. And, with Coronavirus (COVID-19) plaguing our every day lives right now, we really need a good helping of community spirit.

Good chocolate businesses up and down the country (and indeed, all over the world) are facing economic uncertainty. Many risk closing altogether, depending on how long it takes for the disease to disappear. At a time when we're being told to stay at home, businesses that rely heavily of foot traffic into high street shops are suffering.

In these uncertain times, where self-isolation is becoming the norm, I urge you to find your local chocolate shop online and buy a bar or two if you can. Delivery networks are currently still operational, and your purchase can help support a chocolate maker or a team of chocolate makers. Besides, you may discover a delicious new and indulgent treat you can enjoy when the world returns to normal once again.

This list contains chocolate makers and chocolate shops across the country, that are predominately small and medium-sized local businesses. Some have high street shops, while others trade at markets or online.

Some business don't have online webshops but take orders via email or over the phone. I've marked these as 'mail order'.

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Chocolate Ingredient Suppliers

I thought it would be helpful to note that chocolate ingredient suppliers are continuing to trade in these challenging times, helping small chocolate makers to continue with their work. These ingredient businesses typically supply chocolatiers, restaurants, hotels, cafés, home bakers, and hobbyists (like me).

If you're looking to fill your self-isolation time wisely, buying a bag of chocolate couverture and experimenting in your kitchen is a great way to learn a new skill. There's plenty of videos on YouTube, and I've started popping details about my own experiments in my learn to make chocolate section.

Do you run a small business specialising in making chocolate in the United Kingdom and not featured on this list? Get in touch and I'll add your details asap.

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