It’s not often on a Thursday afternoon that I get to take the family down to a chocolate shop. Let alone try out some brand new Chocolate drinks. But, this is exactly what we did this week when Knoops Chocolate opened their brand new shop in Market Street, Brighton.
This is their fifth store in the UK, with their other stores located in Rye, East Sussex, as well as Kensington, Chelsea and Clapham Junction in London. If that wasn’t enough, there’s one more store coming very soon in Richmond!
Knoops make gourmet hot and cold chocolate drinks, using their very own chocolate flakes, ranging from 28% cocoa through to 100%. Using ‘Knoopology’, they then curate the perfect chocolate drink by mixing different flavours, from spices and roots to fruits, with their chocolate menu. There’s also vegan options too!
Knoopologists
Starting back in 2013, Jens Knoop opened the first Knoops store in Rye, East Sussex after wanting to share his childhood love of chocolate from when he lived in Germany. Today, Knoops expertly crafted chocolate drinks and coffees can either be prepared by one of their ‘Knoopologists’ in store, or created at home by customers themselves.
When we visited, we were invited to try out a few of their chocolate drinks. Ranging from iced ones to milkshakes. There was also the option to try out their hot chocolates, but the weather swayed me to something a little cooler!
During our visit, we tasted refreshing milkshakes laced with ginger to almond milk iced chocolate. It was divine. Within minutes T was on chocolate overload, despite only having a light 34% milkshake!
It is no exaggeration when we say that there is a lot of choice, however staff are on hand to help you along the way. In the midst of our tour, we were lucky enough to chat to Jens Knoop himself who is incredibly passionate about what he does and clearly loves what he has created over the years. What he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing!
If you’re looking for something just as sweet, but a little more on the solid side, then Knoops also have a gorgeous range of sweet treats that come straight from their Rye store kitchen. From brownies and cookies to marshmallows and cannolis. We got to try a few tasters during our visit and they did not disappoint.
The joy of drinking chocolate
I’m already thinking about my next visit to Knoops!.
A mixture of matcha and white chocolate will most definitely be on the cards. I’m also tempted by their ‘Salt & Pepper’ menu to add that little kick! If you’re tempted, you can check out the rest of the menu on their website before you visit. If you also fancy becoming a Knoopologist at home, then why not buy a box of their signature chocolate flakes. Just take home one of their free recipe cards and you’re set!
In store you also have the option to purchase specialist equipment, from shakers to frothers.
I’ve always had a funny relationship with chocolate. I think it’s because I’ve never taken it too seriously or I’ve not taken the time to find a decent chocolate. I’m also a coffee drinker, which means hot chocolates are often at the bottom of my list. I just find them too sickly. But, after an afternoon at Knoops I was left feeling inspired to try out different flavours and enjoy the experience.
What takes your fancy?
Disclosure: We were invited to Knoops Chocolate, Brighton as part of a press event, however all thoughts, opinions and imagery are our own.
