I interrupt my (ir)regularly (un)scheduled posts to bring you this newsflash. Today we found a treasure, a true gem in the most unlikely of places. It must be what Columbus felt when he discovered America, or Alexander Graham Bell when the telephone finally worked. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but still, I stepped off a pavement in Peckham, London and into a Chocolaterie in France.
Stepping in to The Melange Chocolate Shop, our senses were enveloped by a heady aroma which immediately made me think of Chocolat and the magical way the character Vianne used her chocolate to reform and unite a French village.
The décor is simple, rustic and there are very few tables, with space for no more than about ten people. The intimate interior affords customers the opportunity to converse with each other, yet still allows private conversations huddled over steaming mugs of exceptional hot chocolate.
Time Out recently mentioned The Melange as having one of the best hot chocolates in London, and I cannot argue. And I’ve tried a few hot chocolates in my time. Hot, thick and rich, this chocolate doesn’t disappoint.
And the owner, a lovely French lady, Isabelle Alaya, knows it. We ordered some chocolate cake, and she recommended we share. Not desperate to push sales, she suggested that a drink and cake might be too much.
She was right. Halfway through our hot chocolate we decided to just take the slice of cake home with us. She wrapped it in brown paper and seemed pleased.
The Melange also sells beautiful bars of Belgian chocolate and is not afraid to try different flavours. We sampled the Basil and Lemon, Ginger and Lime and my personal favourite, the Cinnamon and Bergamot. And at £6 per 100g it was hard to walk out without one of each!
Isabelle has such a welcoming, conversational manner that it’s easy to forget you’re in a café and not in a friend’s living room.
I am really glad that The Melange is not at the bottom of my street. My waistline just wouldn’t cope.
Sounds delicious. I love me some good chocolate. The best I had so far is norweigian chocolate.
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Popped in from SITS to say hi! It sounds wonderful!
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Sounds like it might be worth venturing into Peckham for! Do love my hot chocolate
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Luschka Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@Missus Wookie, You won’t be dissapointed if you do. At £2.50 a cup its actually on the cheap side too!
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you had me at ‘chocolate shop’ – I am fully prepared to pack a suitcase and hop on a plane for 6+ hours to have some of that hot chocolate!!!
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Luschka Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@Katie L., May as well drop round for dinner if you do!
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I could have a piece of cake and espresso now…
stopping by from SITS – my sitstablogs exploring time…
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That looks amazing!
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- April 27, 2010 at 8:38 am
The Melange Chocolate – Giveaway : Diary of a First Child[...] of pairing decadent, delicious and unusual chocolate flavours from my favourite chocolatery, The Melange, with everyday wines available in my local [...]
Went to the mélange chocolate cafe and was blown away I just didn’t think a place like this existed in london let alone Peckham. I will be telling everyone to try it out, the chocolate tastes divine and the place has such a relaxing atmosphere it’s very reasonably priced I think I’ve just found my dream place what more could you want than to chill out drink lovely coffee eat delicious home made sorbet and taste excuisite chocolate oh yes and I will be back to try the hot chocolate on Sunday.
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Luschka Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
@Kyle, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It is definitely one of my favourite places in London
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