A popular Peckham-based chocolate business serving crafted cocktails and artisan hot chocolate started from one woman’s love of chocolate.
Melange Chocolate first opened its doors in 2008, founded by artisan chocolatier Isabelle Alayain.
Tucked away in Maxted Road in Peckham, the business is known for making artisan hot chocolate, decadent chocolate and a selection of cocktails.
Isabelle started the business in her 40s after turning her love of chocolate into a school and from there the business grew into what it is today.
Isabelle explained: “In my 40's, not knowing anymore what to do professionally, I looked for what was essential in my life on a daily basis.
“This turned out to be chocolate consumption as far as I could remember.
“I started to explore and started a school.
“I really fell for it so it became obvious to me I had to make it my profession, which still after 20 years carries its pleasurable moments.”
There are 18 different flavours of crafted, artisan chocolate to choose from, along with a range of truffles.
Owner Isabelle also pioneered the popular Brixton-based Chocolate Museum, which first opened in 2013 before closing earlier this year.
Today the Chocolate Museum still runs through remote events delivered to schools and corporate companies on the history of chocolate.
One thing that the business claims to be best known for is its menu of artisan hot chocolates, which has featured in many hot chocolate guides, as well as books and newspaper articles.
The business has received 41 4-5 star reviews for its hot chocolate recipes alone on Google, with many praising some of its popular hot chocolates, including the dark hot chocolate as well as the salted caramel flavour.
The year-long menu features a wide range of traditional recipes and dietary options, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as iced drinks during the summer months.
The venue's popular cocktail bar has reopened, serving wine and bespoke cocktails, with chocolates in matching flavours to taste, open on Fridays and Saturdays.
The cocktails are themed around the eighteen different chocolate flavours on offer, using ingredients to mimic the flavours of the chocolates, and are paired with chocolates in the matching flavours.
Alongside chocolate tasting and cocktails, Melange Chocolate also offers chocolate making workshops and chocolate and wine tasting workshops every month, where guests can try their hand at making chocolate truffles.
When asked the secret to a good chocolate recipe, Isabelle answered: “First real chocolate, meaning cocoa butter base, not vegetable fat base, which will give this velvety and rich texture to a drink.”
Melange Chocolate is open Thursday and Friday from 12:30pm until 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 6pm.
The cocktail and wine bar is also open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm until 11pm.
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