Features
We're indulging our sweet tooth in Edinburgh, Scotland this week as we meet the masterminds behind Coco Chocolate and learn how to make their delicious Drinking Chocolate and Mandy's Amazing Rigo Jancs.
How did you get started?
It was ten years ago. In 1994 an Australian chocolatier Rebecca came to Edinburgh to start a revolution and make Real Chocolate for people. Coco Chocolate was the only shop at the time that would offer organic and hand made chocolates with 100% cocoa butter. No wonder it grew so much! Since then Rebecca managed to open several shops in Australia. The UK branch became independent in 2013.
Where are you located?
We've got two shops in Edinburgh, the very first Coco Chocolate is on 174 Bruntsfield Place and it's younger sister is at 71 Broughton Street.
What are your specialities?
Chocolate! Real, Organic and hand made slabs of chocolate or chocolate bars with different spices, oils and nuts, hand molded truffles, creams and obviously some seriously strong hot chocolate! We hand temper and flake our white drinking chocolate on marble. It's infused with Lemongrass, Lavender and Orchid Vanilla or Cardamom and Cinnamon. That's a real delight and customer's favourite! It's caffeine free too. Kirsch soaked vegan Cherries dipped in dark chocolate are simply irresistible. People also love our dark vegan chocolate bar with Haggis Spices.
What's your personal favorite thing on the menu?
I adore organic figs dipped in chilli chocolate. They just make me feel happy! And dark chocolate bar with lime and coconut. Nutmeg hot chocolate with rice milk suits me well, and... I could go on and on! It depends on my mood and the weather. Thankfully there's always something delicious to try. Our Chocolatiers are currently working on new products and I hope that we're going to have some exciting new favourites on our shelves pretty soon.
What's on the stereo?
Music that we like. It depends on who's working in the shop. We started listening to The National in the mornings. There's some Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, soundtracks from movies we like. If you can't have a cup of coffee without your favourite tune just ask our staff to plug your phone in and you'll get it!
Where else should we visit in your area?
Broughton street is just packed with places to visit! There's Artisan Roast for coffee lovers, Casa Angelina with the best afternoon tea and cakes, Bakehouse and Broughton Deli with home made soups, salads and lunches. If you want to shop Curiouser and Curiouser sells the most amazing prints and cards, while Life Story offers quirky and creative fashion and home accessories. Real Foods are great for organic fruit and veg.
Do you host any special events?
We host Chocolate Connoisseur Evenings on Fridays. It's the best way to learn how to recognize good chocolate! There's a talk and lots of samples so after an hour you are fully equipped in insider's knowledge. We also run Chocolate Schools in our kitchen in Roslin. That's where you do all the sweet hard work together with our chocolatiers and learn how to temper chocolate, make creams and a lot more. That is a serious treat!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
We love preparing unforgettable wedding favours! Coco's chocolates are made to order to suit the most delicious events and celebrations. We also have free tasters out in our shops every day! That's something to remember while you're walking around town.
Do you have a favorite cafe, restaurant or bar in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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