Birley Chocolate opens its doors in Chelsea with artisan chocolates
Chelsea Green, known for housing some of London’s most exquisite gourmet food outlets, welcomes a new addition to its set with the opening of Birley Chocolate. The venture is a collaboration between club owner Robin Birley and his Executive Pastry Chef, Vincent Zanardi, who have been working together since 2012. The duo, having previously introduced exceptional breads and pastries at Birley Bakery in 2023, now aim to share their passion for chocolate with both walk-in customers and through nationwide delivery.
Among the offering, there are their signature boxes containg a selection of 12, 24 or 48 chocolates in beautifully designed packaging that reflects the shop’s interior. These chocolates are known for their elegant flavours, such as dark chocolate & pistachio, milk chocolate & sesame, and white chocolate & matcha-lemon. The shop will also sell a variety of other chocolate products including dragees, orangettes, chocolate bars, and chocolate sticks and slabs in 12 different flavours. anardi explains. Vincent and his team drew inspiration from the Mendiant, a French classic made with a thin layer of chocolate topped with nuts and dried fruits, and elevated it by pairing only a single fruit with a chocolate that best complemented its flavour profile.
Chocolate sticks and slabs are another highlight in the shop, with 12 flavours ranging from the Birley Reserve 80% plain stick, with top notes of Citrus & Honey, to a dulce chocolate & roasted pecan stick, combining roasted nuts with blond chocolate.
The ingredients used in Birley Chocolate’s creations are sourced globally. Vincent Zanardi, with his extensive experience and dedication to artisanal production, has also introduced a range of specialist chocolates made by producers worldwide, such as Firetree chocolate and Nicolas Berger Chocolate.
The interior of the shop has been designed presents hand-painted murals by artist Lizzi Porter, created in collaboration with Notting-Hill based JR Design. The artwork is inspired by the exotic fin-de-siècle tea-house style and the unique universe of Birley Chocolate.
In addition to chocolates, Birley Chocolate also serves breakfast and lunch menus, with options like Crab Melt and a seasonal courgette, pea, mint, and barley salad. A dedicated space for homemade ice creams and sorbets, including vegan options, complements the offering.
Food Desk
For further information, visit Birley Chocolate’s website here.
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