Best places for chocolate in Manchester 

Tucked away on Deansgate Mews, Dormouse Chocolates is the city’s very first ‘bean to bar’ producer. From sourcing the finest cacao beans to transforming them by hand into chocolate slabs, Isobel Carse is the woman behind these craft bars – she even has several years under her belt as a Hotel Chocolate chocolatier. After a few years of trading online, Dormouse opened its shop on the quiet mews, which also includes the kitchen where over 20kg of chocolate is lovingly produced every week. While it might not be a cafe in the traditional sense, it’s certainly one of the best places to score your cocoa fix in the city centre – we recommend trying the 55 per cent milk with smoked sea salt.

While Manchester’s very own party palace might not be your first port of call when it comes to finding your chocolate fix, Albert’s Schloss has a surprisingly good selection of sweet treats on the menu. Christened after Queen Victoria’s lover Prince Albert, the Bavarian bar is best known for its vibrant entertainment scene, endless drinks menu and impressive Cook Haus. However, if you prefer your chocolate in the liquid variety, the luxe Haus hot chocolate may be the standout on the menu. The steaming mug of melted Swiss chocolate is topped with whipped cream and a shot of homemade salted caramel schnapps – it’s decadent, boozy and the perfect pick-me-up.

Nestled in the beautiful Barton Arcade with a second venue in Angel Gardens, Pot Kettle Black is an independent cafe that showcases its Antipodean roots in both its coffee and its culture. Its in-house bakery, Half Dozen Other, sources only the best chocolate from Belgium to use in a range of homemade cakes, traybakes and other chocolate creations. Maintaining the Victorian features of the building, the Barton Arcade venue is the quintessential coffee shop, complementing the sweet treats with a full menu of laid-back breakfast options.

As a cafe solely dedicated to desserts, Black Milk excels in all things sweet – think ice-cream, milkshakes, cakes and ginormous stacks of pancakes. Set in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the cafe is a regular on everyone’s Instagram grids thanks to its famous freakshakes, piled high with toppings such as cookie dough, Oreos and freshly baked brownies. Inspired by childhood nostalgia, these desserts are certainly not for the faint-hearted. When it comes to the chocolate, Black Milk also offers a range of indulgent sauces and bars to take home – perfect for pimping up those pancakes.

What’s better than an award-winning chocolatier? One that also serves delicious cocktails! Since it first opened its doors in Ancoats several years ago, Cocoa Cabana has been the go-to spot for chocolate lovers everywhere. By day, it’s a quirky cafe serving up a mouthwatering selection of handmade truffles and other sweet treats. However, it becomes a glamorous cocktail bar in the evening serving plenty of unique drinks with a chocolatey twist, such as the dark chocolate and chilli daiquiri. If hot chocolate is more your tipple of choice, there are over 25 different flavours on offer, including peanut butter and Nutella. As the only venue in Manchester serving up a decadent chocolate afternoon tea, Cocoa Cabana is certainly a haven for those with a sweet tooth.

No list of chocolate spots would be complete without a shout-out to Slattery, the legendary chocolatiers and patisserie based in Whitefield. Dating all the way back to 1967, the chocolate shop has an esteemed history of creating homemade confectionery for the people of Manchester. Over the years, it’s evolved from its humble origins and now includes a dining room, wedding cake showroom and bakery classes. For the most serious chocoholics, there’s a famous ‘chocolate challenge’ consisting of a mountain of Slattery’s best goodies – winners are awarded with yet more chocolate, of course.

La Bandera is a beautiful Spanish restaurant in the city centre that has been host to many famous people, including the footballer, David De Gea. While renowned for its exceptional Spanish cuisine, La Bandera in Manchester is also a hidden gem for chocolate enthusiasts. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence extends to its chocolate offerings, creating a sweet haven for those with a penchant for indulgence. La Bandera’s commitment to authenticity shines through in its meticulously crafted dishes, showcasing the vibrant and diverse flavours that characterise Spanish cuisine. Their chocolate-based dishes showcase the very best of Spanish desserts.

The Pachanguitas de Chocolate, which includes fried pastry dough with hazelnut chocolate and coconut flakes and the favourite of Spain, chocolate churros are certainly to be enjoyed. The chocolate experience at La Bandera is a fusion of traditional Spanish techniques and contemporary flair, resulting in treats that are both comforting and innovative. Whether concluding a meal with a decadent chocolate dessert or enjoying a cup of rich hot chocolate, La Bandera in Manchester transforms the chocolate experience into a delightful and integral part of its culinary journey, making it a must-visit for those seeking a sweet escape in the heart of the city.

Richmond Tea Rooms in Manchester beckons not only as a charming spot for tea enthusiasts but also as a haven for chocolate lovers because of their amazing dedication to sweet treats. Beyond its bustling ambiance, this establishment is celebrated for its exquisite chocolate offerings, turning a visit into a delightful chocolate-centric experience.

From decadent chocolate cakes to velvety hot chocolate, Richmond Tea Rooms crafts its chocolate creations with an artful touch, elevating the sweet indulgence to a delightful affair. The diverse and inventive chocolate menu complements the venue’s eclectic charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a refined and fun chocolate experience in the heart of Manchester. Whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon treat or a special dessert, Richmond Tea Rooms invites to you relax and enjoy their scrumptious food.

The Whitworth Café’s home is in the impressive Whitworth Gallery, an award-winning gallery of contemporary art situated next to the University of Manchester campus on Oxford Road. Surrounding it is the gorgeous Whitworth Park, full of trees and flowers. Many do not know that the Whitworth Gallery also has an amazing café.

This is a peaceful place to enjoy wonderful chocolate cake and biscuits. From rich chocolate tarts to velvety hot chocolate, the café’s chocolate offerings are crafted with precision and flair. Whether you’re winding down after exploring the gallery or simply seeking a sweet escape, Whitworth Café invites you to enjoy the peace of the gallery and then enjoy one of their scrumptious sweet treats.

Annies is not just a restaurant or a destination for afternoon tea; it’s a haven for chocolate and sweet treat enthusiasts seeking a delightful and indulgent experience. Nestled in a charming setting, Annies is renowned for its dedication to comfort food, and the chocolate offerings are no exception.

From luscious chocolate desserts to heavenly cocoa-infused treats, Annies crafts its chocolate creations with a perfect blend of sophistication and homely warmth. Chocolate honeycomb cheesecake and the super impressive chocolate indulgence sundae are delights. Annies is a place where the love for cocoa is celebrated with every bite, making Annies a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional chocolate-centric dining experience.