Best Hot Chocolates in Leeds: four indulgent spots to warm up this winter

Feeling the November chill? We certainly are, and there’s no better way to warm up than with a rich cup of hot chocolate in Leeds. Whether you love smooth milk chocolate, velvety white, or an intense 100% dark cocoa, the city’s cafés have something for everyone.

From cosy independents to swanky bars, Leeds is home to some of the best hot chocolates in Yorkshire (if we do say so), perfect for a winter pick-me-up or a festive treat with friends.

Keep reading to discover where to find the most indulgent hot chocolate in Leeds this winter, and get ready to sip your way through the season’s sweetest spots.

Savvy Baker at Green Room

Our sweet treat prayers have been answered! The Savvy Baker is not only opening a permanent spot in Trinity Leeds, but they’re also serving up some of the most irresistible hot chocolates in Leeds over at Green Room. Expect dreamy flavours like Kinder, Gingerbread Spice, and S’mores, each one a perfect flavour combo to see in the winter months.

And it’s not just about what’s in your cup; Green Room is one of the cosiest spots in the city to escape the cold. Grab a seat by the fires out the front and watch the world go by with a decadent hot chocolate, or head upstairs to the covered terrace, complete with heaters to keep you toasty on chilly evenings. Whether you’re catching up with friends or treating yourself, it’s a great spot to try out this fantastic crossover.

Find out more here.

Melting Point

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Melting Point Leeds! While we’ve spent the summer swooning over their incredible ice cream (think combinations like brown butter, pecan and banana), this season it’s all about their luxurious hot chocolates, and trust us, they’re just as good as their ice cream.

You’ll find Melting Point tucked inside the iconic Leeds Corn Exchange, a must-visit for locals and visitors. It’s the perfect winter stop-off, grab an indulgent hot chocolate special from Melting Point (which change weekly!) and then take a wander around the independent shops and boutiques that make the Corn Exchange such a gorgeous spot to explore.

Melting Point’s hot chocolates are the perfect mix of all those winter cravings, all made by the most lovely couple who own it. It's a great spot and we can't wait to try out their weekly specials over winter,

Find out more here.

Cup + Lid

As pioneers of Leeds’ hot chocolate scene, Cup + Lid have truly set the bar high on The Headrow, leading the way for every hot chocolate spot that's since followed. Their white hot chocolate is nothing short of incredible; it's smooth, velvety, and luxurious without feeling too sweet. It’s pure heaven in a cup, and easily one of our all-time favourites in Leeds. During the summer months, we order it iced, but the moment temperatures drop below double figures, we’re straight back to the hot version, which never disappoints.

If you’re more of a coffee lover, don’t skip their mochas either. They’re the perfect balance of rich good quality coffee and silky chocolate, a good pick me up for a mid day treat, or opt for the decaffeinated version if you're chilling out. 

If you haven’t already been, make Cup + Lid (one of) your next stops for a hot chocolate in Leeds!

Find out more here.

Knoops

Normally, we champion indies, but after a few visits, we can’t ignore that this place adds something good to Leeds. We first discovered Knoops on a trip down to Brighton, then realised it was a chain when we visited London and saw it all over.

Since it opened in Leeds city centre, Knoops has been a consistently good spot for a hot chocolate fix. Located on the edge of Trinity Leeds, it’s the perfect stop-off for a sweet treat mid-shopping trip or a cosy catch-up with friends. What makes Knoops a great spot is their fully customisable hot chocolate menu, you can choose your preferred cocoa percentage (from smooth white to rich 100% dark) and even add flavours like sea salt, chilli, or orange for a little twist.

They also offer one of the best vegan hot chocolate selections in Leeds, with plant-based blends that are just as good as the dairy versions. 

Find out more here.

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