Discover 33 artisan makers at The Chocolatarium’s chocolate emporium

33 makers are featured

If you could only eat one chocolate bar for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s the question posed by Fraser, our guide at The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh, as we gather for the launch of Jenny McLay’s new online chocolate emporium.

Located just off the Royal Mile, The Chocolatarium is one of Scotland’s top-rated chocolate attractions, now expanding its reach with a curated online shop featuring 33 artisan chocolate makers — including eight from Scotland, such as Chocolate Tree in East Lothian and Charlotte Flowers from Perthshire.

The evening begins with a welcome drink — either fizz or Pacha, a refreshing blend of fruit juices and cacao — as we browse shelves lined with over 180 chocolate bars. From bold and quirky to timeless classics, many are wrapped in packaging so vibrant they resemble festive bunting.

After a warm introduction from Jenny herself, we split into two groups. One heads to the kitchen for a hands-on chocolate-making session, while my group joins Fraser for a guided tasting. We start with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and dive into cacao’s 5,000-year history, learning how modern chocolate only emerged in the late 19th century. Fraser shares memorable facts — like how fermented cacao liquid is sometimes lapped up by monkeys, who get tipsy from its natural alcohol content.

We discover that over 50 countries grow cocoa, most within the equatorial “Chocolate Belt.” West Africa leads global production, with Côte d’Ivoire alone producing more than 2 million tons annually.

Then comes the tasting. Fraser teaches us the proper technique: let the chocolate melt on your tongue while holding your nose, then release and breathe. We sample four varieties — from intense 100% to mellow 39%, with two 70% bars in between. Like wine or coffee, cocoa’s flavour is shaped by its terroir, which is why São Tomé’s tasting shards differ so distinctly from Colombia’s.

Next, we head into the kitchen with chocolatier Carina. Our workstations are laid out with colourful edible decorations. First, choose your mould. Second, select your molten chocolate (I opt for dark). Then, decorate freely. It’s gloriously sticky fun. Once finished, we name our creations and pop them in the fridge to set.

The evening wraps up with more drinks, savoury nibbles, and — of course — more chocolate. We sample new flavours like cranachan with a whisky kick, fresh pineapple, and margarita. Before leaving, we’re handed a box of goodies and our handmade bars.

Whether you’ve visited The Chocolatarium or not, their online chocolate shop is a must. Take the chocolate personality quiz to find your perfect bar (mine was Key Lime Pie) and treat yourself. Better yet, gather friends and book a chocolate tasting tour or chocolate-making experience — it’s an evening of pure, delicious joy.

📍 The Chocolatarium, 3–5 Cranston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BE 🕒 Gift Shop open daily 10am–5pm 🎟️ Tours run throughout the day — check the calendar and book online