York has a long history with and is famous for … can you guess? Chocolate! So, that means no trip to York is complete without visiting one of the many York chocolate shops. There are a fabulous selection of independent York chocolate shops, all located within the city center, giving you the perfect excuse to indulge in the the good stuff.
York was once home of the well known and beloved brands such as Terrys and Rowntrees, before many of the manufacturing operations were outsourced to cheaper locations. However, for some local chocolate lovers in York, it was important that the heritage and knowledge was retained in the city. Hence, why there is now a wonderful selection of York chocolate shops offering world class products.
So, lets take a look at 4 York chocolate shops which I highly recommend you visit during your trip to the beautiful medieval city.
4 York Chocolate Shops You Must Visit
#1: York’s Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story is a fun and interactive tour which showcases the history of York’s chocolate making families. On the tour you will learn about the origin of chocolate, how to make chocolate, how to taste it like an expert as well as the sustainability of chocolate going forward. You even get to create and decorate your own chocolate treat to take home. This is certainly one of the great things to do in York with kids.
On the ground floor there is a shop with a huge selection of fantastic chocolate to choose from. And don’t forget to stop at the café where you can enjoy a hot chocolate or chocolate fondue.
#2: Monk Bar Chocolatiers
Located on the infamous Shambles, Monk Bar Chocolatiers is a gorgeous little shop and a treasure trove of delectable chocolates. The first original shop was opened in the shadow of the Monk Bar in York, hence the unique name, however that shop closed several years ago.
All the chocolates at Monk Bar Chocolatiers are made on the premises in small batches using luxurious couverture chocolate and only the finest ingredients. The truffles on offer come in every flavor imaginable from salted caramel to champagne – good luck trying to choose!
#3: York Cocoa House
York Cocoa House is the home for all chocolate lovers. They are situated on Castlegate, opposite the site where Henry Isaac Rowntree first set up shop. Within this chocolate manufactory in the centre of York, they craft their own chocolate from cocoa that has been sourced from all over the world.
At York Cocoa House they offer an array of workshops and training – from chocolate tasting to learning the craft of chocolate making. They also sell all of their delectable chocolate products which you can witness being made whilst you browse the shop. If you have a little time to spare, why not relax in the cafe and indulge in some chocolate, specialty cakes and coffee in York.
#4: Cocoa Joe’s
Located on Museum Street near the entrance to Museum Gardens, Cocoa Joe’s is the new kid on the block when it comes to York Chocolate shops. They specialize in making chocolate drinks (hot or cold!) from their fabulous chocolate selection.
Cocoa Joe’s was born as a result of the owner’s love for great chocolate and their innovative thinking to use the best solid chocolate available to make great chocolate drinks!
The menu at Cocoa Joe’s purposefully lists the origin, cocoa solid percentage and defining flavours of each chocolate, allowing customers to pick the perfect chocolate base to suit their taste. And the best bit – you are free to sample any of the chocolates for yourself before you decide which is the one for you.
The Best Chocolate Tours in York
- 🧑🏼🍳 Craft your own chocolates during this Class – Introduction to Chocolate Making at York Cocoa Works
- 😋 Learn about chocolate making and taste chocolates on this Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey at York Cocoa Works
- 🍫 Learn how to make your own chocolate bar: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop
We hope this post has inspired you to take a journey to York and discover all of the fabulous York chocolate shops on offer. You can enjoy learning about the chocolate history which built this town, and treat yourself to plenty of chocolate, cakes and hot chocolates along the way. Your trip to York is guaranteed to be a sweet one! Shell x
Tell me – what is your favorite type of chocolate?
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11 Responses
I’ve never visited York although I’d like to at some point, and this post has made York seem even more appealing. I particularly like the sound of the York Chocolate Story. #fortheloveofblog
Man, they look good! #FortheloveofBLOG
So very cool and informative. Thanks for sharing this.
My mouth is watering! These look like my kind of shops! Thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofblog
Reading this post is making my mouth salivate, I want all the chocolate x #fortheloveofblog
I love York AND chocolate so this is the perfect combination for me and makes me want to visit again as soon as Covid restrictions are lifted! Thanks so much for linking up with #fortheloveofblog – you’re my featured post this week!
I think I need a weekend away in York! What a great selection of Chocolate shops #KCACOLS
I need to visit York–I’m craving chocolate. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your mouth-watering post!
Yummo! #KCACOLS
Just returning from #kcacols x
York was already on my list of places I’d like to visit, but this makes it even better. When we lived in Stockholm, years ago, my husband used to get me chocolates from a Belgium chocolatiere that had set up shop there. Beautiful fresh pralines, totally delicious! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS x