From thoughtful gifts to stocking fillers and after-dinner treats, chocolate is a Christmas must-have as far as we’re concerned! Luckily for us all, the West country is home to some exceptional chocolatiers and we’re delighted to offer a delicious, thoughtfully chosen selection from our favourites. You’re definitely going to want to leave room for these!

JOSH’S CHOCOLATE 

Having grown up on a Cornish dairy farm, it’s perhaps no surprise that Josh Parker created his own chocolate company. Not just any chocolate company, mind; Josh’s Chocolate is known for its premium chocolate, hand-made in Cornwall by a dedicated, close-knit team, and finished with beautiful packaging by Cornish illustrator, Joanne Barry.

• Barefoot on the Beach: Smooth, creamy milk chocolate with a classic, balanced cocoa flavour and velvety texture. 36% cocoa solids.
• Friends by the Fire: Dark chocolate with smooth 55% dark chocolate, fiery stem ginger pieces and natural ginger essence. Suitable for vegans. 
  

BARBER’S CHOCOLATE

Based in South Devon, Barber’s was founded by chocolatier, pastry chef and tutor, Michael Barber, and is the recipient of many well-deserved awards, including Taste of the West ‘Gold’. Importantly, Barber’s chocolate is made with ethically-sourced ingredients, helping to ensure a fair deal for cocoa farmers, and is packaged biodegradably; just as importantly, it’s absolutely delicious! 

• Guatemala Cahabón Dark Chocolate: A great balance of dark, intense chocolate and natural sweetness, this 60% cocoa bar is made with cocoa beans from small-farmer cooperatives in northern Guatemala. Flavour notes include cherries, blackberries and a subtle hint of cream and cardamom. Suitable for vegans.
• Peruvian Blonde Chocolate: Rich and smooth, thanks to organic Peruvian cocoa butter, this perfectly-balanced bar features toasted milk powder, for a sweet, caramelised flavour, and just enough Cornish sea salt to give a subtle accent.

NICOLA’S CHOCOLATE

Former school teacher Nicola Knight re-trained as a chocolate taster with the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting (IICCT) in 2017. Having developed expertise in fine-flavour cacao and ethical sourcing, Nicola went on to create her own award-winning business, crafting ethically-sourced ingredients into handmade bean-to-bar chocolate at a small factory in nearby Exeter. 

• Spiced Rum Cocktail: 71% Made from cocoa beans grown in Uganda and soaked in a blend of rums distilled and spiced by Two Drifters Distillery, Exeter. The result is a boozy, fruity bar which showcases the excellent cacao and rum equally.
• Earl Gry Tea with a dash of milk: 60% A 60% dark milk chocolate bar, handmade with El Salvador cacao and Exmoor Tea’s Earl Grey, finished with a sprinkling of blue cornflowers.