HOT HOT HOT CHOCOLATE for ALL chocolate LOVERS! The…read morechocolate tree is located on a busy road and still it's easy to find car parking nearby, especially on a Sunday. Also conveniently accessible by bus. There is not much sitting space, such best to book in advance. We got a lovely table at the front window (which by the way is the only table in the front of the shop). I believe there is a very small sitting area in the back. You can find lots of chocolate variations on display on cupboard shelves. At the moment they offer 10% off chocolate bars before a certain time of the day. There are also macaroons, ice cream a (not gelato), pralines and little "cakes". Above the main entrance you see the drink menu written on huge chalk boards: Traditional chocolate, one for kids and one for adults, white chocolate, milky chocolate, dark chocolate and much more. They do coffee too. I ordered salted caramel ice cream and milk chocolate, which was the best hot milk chocolate in Edinburgh so far, and not to mention I got served plenty of it in a big mug. Definitely worth the money. Must confess, my eyes were bigger than my stomach and next time a hot chocolate will be plenty :-) They are also present with stalls at various Edinburgh markets, like Stockbridge. Its an ideal place to take away and enjoy the "pleasures" somewhere else.

For those 'in the know', the chocolate tree has been an online business for quite some time, but…read moredecided to open up their own shop in our very own city, Edinburgh. If you like chocolate, you will LOVE The Chocolate Tree. Located in the trendy Bruntsfield area, it is in the perfect position to sit in and gorge or sit out and gorge. Their chocolates are all organic (so at least your conscious feels good about eating copious amounts of chocolate...) The decor is very chic, trendy and indulgent. Indeed, I think Indulgence is a theme in the cafe. My first visit was under sad circumstances - recently single and feeling vulnerable, my friend took me and ordered me the 'Spanish Hot Chocolate' (see picture). Oh My God. Where I was feeling despairing, distraught and dismayed I was overcome with delight, deliriousness and felt thoroughly delectable!! It was perfect...perhaps a bit rich, but the first few sips were to die for. It even came with a little dough cake-thing to dip into the thick, gloopy chocolate, like fondue! It would have been ideal for two to share. To be honest, I'm not what you would call a choc-a-holic - especially now that Cadbury's is no longer considered 'chocolate'. But there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether its a slice of their GLORIOUS chocolate cake (it was delicious, after a while I felt I should find a mirror to check if my pupils had dilated) or one of their mini chocolate bites. If you can't make it to the shop they sell online and they're much cheaper than their competition ( it's one of their ethical principles, woohoo!). It really is worth visiting, on a warm summer day to lounge and indulge yourself, or on a cold winter evening to keep yourself warm. It's the sort of place I imagine Harry Potter would sit in...

You only get a true measure of a business when something goes wrong. I had originally ordered some…read moreflowers (same day for collection) - but when I arrived to collect, nobody could remember taking my order. The manager and staff, to their credit, immediately rallied around and put together the most beautiful bouquet. The significant other loves her gift and I will definitely be coming back. Next time I'll do better and give them more time to prepare!

If you ever need chocolate or flowers. This is the place to come!…read more Harvest Garden has been in Morningside, for forever it seems. They do beautiful displays of flowers immediately outside the shop, and in the windows. For me, the reason to go here. Chocolate! Harvest Garden is the only Scottish, if not UK stockist of Laura Secord. These are gorgeous chocolates that I first had in Canada. Beware, these are not cheap! In season, they sell chocolate figs. These are handmade in someone's house in Spain. Basically, it is a fresh fig that has chocolate fondant in the middle, then they are foil wrapped. That description could never do them justice though. I am always guaranteed to find what I want here for birthdays, christmas etc. There is a good range of chocolate stocked, and a price to suit all pockets. I haven't made it to the handmade chocolate counter yet though.....

Hot damn they have a good hot chocolate. We got the classic hot chocolate with milk chocolate and…read morewhip. Absolutely fantastic. I usually don't like whip cream, but that one was a bit denser than normal. It can be a bit messy because it's overflowing out of the cup. They have 2 separate lines, one for drinks, and one for paying for items. Makes it really handy.

We went in for a hot chocolate yesterday and I think it's safe to say they were the best hot…read morechocolates we'd ever had. We both got the 'Milky' option with the chocolate whipped cream and honestly the whipped cream alone is worth a trip! Can't wait to try some of the other options, and maybe a Christmas special!

Coco of Bruntsfield is one of two specialist shops in Bruntsfield, and I'm afraid to report this is…read morethe poorer of the two. The chocolate is delicious - but when is chocolate not delicious - and the price is a little steep but totally worth it. Word of warning, this is not the place you should go daily to get your 'fix' (I hear ya) as it is proper chocolate, very rich and very intense. They do really great hot chocolates and experiment with different flavours, but if you want to sit down then bring your own seat, It is a shame that the second chocolatier over-shadows Coco, as it tastes just as good! Unfortunately it comes down to the small things - seats! And to be honest the shop was quite cold! But that's just being picky.

We went on a chocolate tour of Edinburgh. It was one of those tours you buy on groupon and such. I…read moregot it for my husband as a bday gift because he loves chocolate so much. This place had the most amazing chocolates. So rich, but not bitter, creamy but bold flavours. A great selection of different delicate flavours. The people that worked there were so nice and really had a great knowledge of their chocolates! I would love to get chocolate from there all the time... but it was just a wee bit too expensive for me. I know one shouldn't put a cap price on hand made chocolates, but I do .. I have too otherwise our rent money would all go to chocolate! haha BUT if you are wanting to buy someone a lovely gift of chocolates and they are a huge chocolate fan then look no further! Wonderful place. Also super cute decor and lay out... just a wee shop though.

One of my favourite places in Edinburgh to go hang out. Like many of the places in Edinburgh this…read morechocolate shop has bags of style, not only in its delectable cakes and chocs but its decor. Walk in here, and you've walked into a the Parisian cafe of your dreams and I'm sure the new location will only add to that. The hot chocolate here is gorgeous but still hasn't beaten my favourite from the Chocolate Boutique in Auckland but I think that's down to personal preference! The chocs here are DIVINE and you can tell that the chocolatiers really put thought and effort into everyone of them. They look beautiful, taste beautiful and it is this care and attention that really makes this place head and shoulders above the rest and dare I say it but this is one of the best chocolate shops in the UK. The shop also boasts an extensive tea and coffee menu that once again shows the owners care and attention to source some unique blends. If you love chocolate you will adore Plaisir du Chocolat.

When my husband and I lived in Edinburgh, this was our favorite chocolatier…read more The handmade chocolates are encased in a thin shell designed with beautiful cocoa prints. The store also wraps these jewels up in a tasteful celadon green box imprinted with their logo and tied up with a brown ribbon. There are an assortment of flavors including lavender, sencha tea, lotus flowers, bergamot essence, pepper, and so much more. *** Another closed location, but I had this already written in my queue. I'll miss this place. Does anyone else recommend a chocolatier that does a similar style?

For a year or so, I have been enjoying and particularly recommend their dark chocolate with…read morecrystallised ginger. But I also love their honey comb and lots of other special combinations. Do go and sample their varied offerings!! Mark

Oh Edward & Irwyn, how I love your chocolate…read more And you know, not only is it incredibly good but it's *interesting* - they experiment with some great flavours and end up with unique products which pack a punch. One of my favourites are the (salted?) caramel filled mountains with white chocolate and jasmine snow capped peaks. I mean whuuuuuuuuut. I thought the jasmine would be weird but it's actually gorgeous and fruity and totally jasmine but not at all at the same time. Also in love with the green mandarin, beetroot and ??? something which is escaping me. The green mandarin flavour is out of this world. UGH. And let's get to the hot chocolate. The chili, vanilla and tonka bean. Oh my goodness. Heaven. They used to just make for wholesale but started opening up the kitchen directly on weekends leading up to major chocolate events (like Easter when they make the most kicking DRAGON Easter eggs), that then led onto being open the first Saturday of each month and now they're every (though maybe most would be a better description as they'll take off the occasional weekend I'm sure) Saturday 12-3. Really lovely people with fabulous and inventive taste in chocolates. Yum and yum.

Wonderful selection of chocolate with reasonable prices. They also sell gelato in some of their…read morecandy flavors. My husband had a small cone of super chocolately chocolate and really enjoyed it.The salesperson was very friendly and helpful in aiding me in selecting gifts. The location on Frederick Street in Edinburgh is next door to Hotel Chocolat Cafe, which also sells candy and serves decadent hot chocolate. Both sell delicious chocolates.

The chocolate fountain at this Princes Street store is highly tempting and I went in the first time…read moreI walked past! They do all sorts of combinations and whilst the marshmallow kebab dipped in melted chocolate is a favourite of many, that's a little bit of a sugar overload in my opinion. I opted for a strawberry kebab instead, which was heavenly but I have two reservations; I feel like I could have recreated it at home with a bar of good quality chocolate and some strawberries from Tescos. Whatsmore, it was quite messy to eat. It's not that pricey, and worth a try. Just be armed with a lotttt of tissue paper!

First trip to Edinburgh Scotland! My friend booked us a tour at The Choclatarium, and I have to say…read morethe tour was so great! Carina the tour guide was informative with a great personality. She imparted her knowledge with enthusiasm and some humor sprinkled in. We arrived a little late for the tour we booked and we're not made to feel bad about it. We were asked if we had any dietary restrictions and I told her I was vegan. The woman that checked us in let the tour guide know. Every part of the tasting, I was provided with vegan version. It was all so delicious! We were given drinking chocolate when we arrived, it was made with oat milk. Warm, rich and creamy..so good! After a talk, we were led into a room where we sampled chocolate and then made our own chocolate bars. I was provided with dark chocolate, vegan marshmallows and I added a pinch of red pepper flakes. I poured into a mold shaped like a castle. Best chocolate bar ever! While we waited for our chocolate bars to set. We listened to some history of the cocoa beans and the guide made a drink that we all toasted to. She explained the ingredients the Aztecs used as she mixed it up, minus the blood of a human sacrifice. This was an amazing experience, I would highly recommend!

The entire experience was awesome. From the tour guide to the taste testing, you feel immersed in…read morethe world of chocolate. Yum!

I became familiar with Thinking Chocolate through an introductory workshop ran in partnership with…read morethe Edinburgh Larder. The workshop was run by Nadia, the owner and founder of Thinking Chocolate. It involved a lot of tasting, some of their own chocolate, a lot of useful information. Nadia's love and extensive knowledge of chocolate were obvious throughout. Will definitely be returning in shop and I look forward to the next lesson.

From the owner: Thinking Chocolate arrived in 2007 having turned a 38 year old passion into a wee business. As…read morewell as producing micro batches of handmade chocolates & confections for five star hotels &restaurants, we have a range of practical classes & tasting events. We host events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and London. We work very closely with our clients, creating memorable experiences to enhance their events be it reward days for business or Hen Parties. As with Fine Wines & Whisky, there are many parallels between chocolate tasting & the appreciation of flavours, expressions & aroma . Creating an informal, fun atmosphere for the enjoyment of these is what we live for! We have built several successful relationships with like minded artisans based on our mutual interest in the pursuit of the perfect match. So come & see us at our shop! Whether you fancy a shot of liquid ganache, are tempted by our delicious truffles, or can't resist one of our gorgeous cakes - it's all good

So I leave Melbourne. Fly away, halfway across the world, snug in my little village that is…read moreStockbridge. Then, Smith and Gertrude arrives. I've had my suspicions about the name for a while and tonight, my suspicions were confirmed- this idea was formulated in Melbourne, the bright light-bulb flashing into the owners mind whilst sipping a glass of wine on the iconic corner of Smith Street and Gertrude Streets in Melbourne. The hipster trend is spreading globally people! And you know what? I'm on board! The service, ambiance and style so reminds me of my hometown (whats that I feel...pride?) This might just become the place for meat, wine and cheese. For the past year Henri's of Stockbridge has been my go-to for my Sunday wine and charcuterie but Smith and Gertrude will closely rival this. So lets talk wine. The list is extensive and impressive. I'm actually not too much for Australian wine myself, but the list of Australian wines available almost made me want to yell out 'woo! represent!' but I didn't do that because I'm a grown up of course. I instead ordered a lovely Argentinian wine at the recommendation of our very helpful server which paired the meal nicely. Meats and cheese. Well. I feel like there could have been more on the board (or maybe have smaller boards so it looks fuller?) Nonetheless, whilst it looked simple to begin with, the mixed board was more than enough for two people, though I did add the gorgonzola cheese along with bread with oil with dukkah. All delicious but not foreign to me. The cheese is sourced locally and I buy it all weekly so I essentially paid to have it plated and to eat it somewhere with better lighting. If you don't know cheese, then you might enjoy the ever-changing cheeses to try until you find a favourite. Then you can go buy it in bulk from the local cheesemongers if you so wish. The interior is very trendy and Melbourne-like. The atmosphere, quality of food and service was nothing short of great. . If you're really just wanting the meat and cheese without the ooze of hipster-mess, I would suggest the buying the cheese and meats from local stockists. Thy also stock wines which I will certainly return to purchase. I give five stars as a fellow Melburnian seething with pride for this new local business. They've taken a simple concept and done it well, using local product and supporting other small businesses which I highly commend. Highly recommended for a place to just sit, eat, chill and plain enjoy, whether alone or with company. The only thing that was missing was the excellent barista-made coffee I have come to adore from Melbourne (read: its the minimum standard I expect.) Steampunk in a french press guys, really? I'll keep an eye out on this development and will probably move in when this changes.

I'm surprised that no one has snapped up this FTR, seeing as this place seems to be more or less…read morehopping around the clock (or at the very least, most days after 5pm). Tucked in the space of the old cat cafe, I didn't even realize this place was there until Julie G suggested we meet there for a glass. If you had visited the cat cafe previously, this new venture has more or less gutted the place and it's unrecognizable. They've done a great job with the room, with lots of wood detailing, vintage inspired knick knacks and communal seating... it's basically a hipster coffee shop, but with wine. Eye roll all you want, that's a damn good combination of trendy. I only had two glasses on my first trip here, so I can't speak to the food or the flights, but the wine (though pricey... ack!) was interesting and the wine flights that went past us, with four little glasses and the option to pair with cheese almost had us falling off our seats to get a better look. Well worth heading back for more investigation. So far, I deem this place a cute little addition the the neighbourhood. Welcome Smith & Gertrude!