When we first met, we realised our shared love of matcha, yoga, and—most of all—chocolate! We chatted about our favourite spots in Edinburgh and the places we had yet to explore—The Chocolatarium was one we had both been dying to experience, so we did!
The Chocolatarium, located five minutes from Waverley Train Station and just off the Royal Mile, is perfect for (friend) dates, a family day out, or even a solo treat. Though we decided on the “Tour of Chocolate” experience (£25 each), they also offer a range of luxury chocolate-making experiences, including their wine and chocolate pairing (£44), truffle-making (£38), and for the more ambitious among you, a chocolate and whisky experience, offering whiskey truffle making (£44).
Our chocolate tour guide, fun-loving and incredibly well-informed, welcomed us with a rich hot chocolate and, throughout the 90-minute experience, spoiled us with what felt like an unlimited supply of chocolate tasters. An informative presentation on the chocolate production process taught us about the importance of ethically sourced and responsibly manufactured chocolate. This was followed by tastings of single-origin chocolates, which highlighted how flavours are influenced by environmental factors such as soil composition and surrounding vegetation. We ultimately learned how the fermentation and roasting processes are necessary steps in deepening complex flavour profiles.
We then got a hands-on experience of the chocolate-making process. To make our own chocolate bars, we chose from a selection of chocolate moulds, including Nessie, a Highland cow, the Scottish flag, and, of course—because we’re in Edinburgh—Greyfriars Bobby! We decorated our moulds to our hearts’ content with a selection of funky toppings, sealing it all with a decadent layer of in-house-made dark or milk chocolate.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we were directed to a tasting session, where we were tested on our ability to identify flavour profiles and chocolate intensities. Our tour guide then concocted a modern replica of the first-ever Mayan chocolate drink, dating back to 500 BC. Made with chilli, honey, cinnamon, water, and far too many chunky cacao nibs, it was spicy and bitter—a far cry from the hot chocolates we are used to. This made us all the more appreciative of the wall of chocolates we then gorged ourselves silly on. With chocolate flavours ranging from Chilli & Lime to Haggis Spice to Wild Gorse Flower, we were spoiled for choice. Our favourites from the experience? Cinnamon Toast (Kayleigh) and Ice Cream Float (Maximiliane).
As students, the pricing of this experience was not exactly budget-friendly; however, for a one-off, high-quality experience, you certainly get your money’s worth in chocolate. If you’re still not convinced about doing the full experience but want to get a taste of what The Chocolatarium has to offer, why not explore their huge variety of chocolate bars in the shop? Their chocolates—mostly local brands and all fair trade—make for the perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones. If you’re unsure which of the many unconventional flavours to pick, try The Chocolatarium’s quiz (found on their website) to find your perfect chocolate match.
Images by Maximiliane Scheller and Kayleigh Yule