I’d wanted to go to The Chocolate Show before, but hadn’t had the chance. Happily, this time I was attend the annual celebration of chocolate. And being at Kensington Olympia, you just knew it was going to have plenty of space. Which meant the opportunity to create some very pleasant surprises. What is your favourite type of chocolate? You’ll probably find it well represented below.
When coming in to the arena, you are struck by how much is many people there are. And the chocolate. There really is chocolate everywhere. And all kinds. There is so much to choose from, but most stands do offer tastings. What also stands out is how beautifully the chocolate is wrapped. You almost don’t want to ruin it by opening it. I said almost!
What also stands out is how the original the chocolate is. Not only is it distinctive in terms of flavour and geographical origins, but in terms of the execution. This includes chococlate in the form of roses, greeting cards and drinking liquid. It was nice to see Halloween so well represented too. You really can buy pretty much anything.
Perhaps what was most surprising was the artwork. It isn’t just anywhere where you can find an edible version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Hokusai’s famous The Great Wave and da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Not to mention original creative efforts on display, with four striking chocolate sculptures next to each other.
There was more to do than just eat chocolate and look at small-scale (but delightful) artwork, though. This included chocolate making workshops and tasting rooms. You had to sign up early as they were popular. There was even space for two larger scale artworks. One was A State of Happiness parachute by Tehmina Maknojia and the other was a display of Gulliard chococlate made out of 22 bars, making up 95 kgs. The chocolate wasn’t wasted though, as will be used by the company for chocolate windows.
Alex Raphael 
Wonderful photos. It looks like heaven. The chocolate artwork is really something. You’ll have to take a date next year. Maybe you can find someone who likes dark chocolate as much as you (along with film, puns, Everton, and photography)
As you know I think milk chocolate is best and the most tasty. The rest are subpar to my childlike palate. Anyway, the chocolate exhibit looks to have been really lovely. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
It really was lovely. It was a real shame you couldn’t make it. You’d have loved it. There was actually a sign that said not to touch the exhibitions. Do not eat would have been more appropriate ha.
Yeah, well you can take me to every candy store, bakery and ice cream shop in the Greater London area when we remake Freaks and Geeks the grown up years Maybe Cookie Monster will have released your bank card by then.
You mean he hasn’t already!
No. Now Tucker has it in his possession and just ordered a Thanksgiving turkey and a new pet condo. You might want to call your bank before I get ahold of it. CM and the cat have nothing on me when it comes to shopping or revenge charges Haha
If he realises he can eat turkey outside of Thanksgiving I’m really in trouble 😉
Or if he he decides he wants to hang out with a British turkey 😜 Sad that wasn’t more affection for my beloved milk chocolate but more for meeeee.
how amazing! i’m a milk chocolate fan –
I’m for dark myself, but I do hear good things about milk 🙂
I️ know you are classified as more sophisticated based upon your taste)
There’s no wrong answer with chocolate 🙂
This is exactly how I picture paradise! Did you end up tasting/buying anything interesting?
I didn’t try anything. If I’d started would have been difficult to stop 😉 I did buy quite a few chocolates though. The best ones were the Choctails.
Lovely pictures. My own personal Holy Trinity of chocolate is:
Cadbury Chocolate Buttons
Galaxy Minstrels
Yorkie bars
The last one I can swap in and out with Cadbury’s Boost or Double Deckers at will.
Nice. How often do you eat them?
Far too often
To misquote Oscar Wilde, I can resist everything except tempation and chocolate 😉
Looks delicious. Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Happy you liked it. You’ll like my next post too then 🙂 Still some new photos to add.
I love chocolate and this post, Alex!
I thought you might 🙂 Which bar do you eat most?
Whichever one is closest!
I walked into a bar earlier. It was made out of chocolate so I ate it 🍫
Wow, this is a yummy post. Delicious photos. I must admit that dark chocolate is my fav, but honestly I can cope with any chocolate. One which reminds me of my youth when I was in London: “Cadbury Milk”, it’s simple but simple things can be special.
Dark chocolate is great. I can even eat cooking chocolate. The first joke I ever remember coming up with was chocolate related, come to think of it. I’d have been about seven.
How do Nestle chocolates travel? In an AEROplane
Love you sense of humor, Alex… brilliant!
Ooooh, this looks amazing! The art works are wonderful. I love dark chocolate and dark chocolate with hot chili flavor is actually a fabulous combination. Lindt makes a bar. So good! Thanks for sharing with us Alex! 😘
Glad you liked the review 🙂 I’ve never tried the chili flavour. Must have a great kick. I like cherry in a mousse but mint otherwise. Or dark Kit Kat.
It is indeed a beautiful place to admire. It comes as close as the reality version of Willy Wonkas Factory. The sculptures are so intricately designed. How ingenious to have come up with various designs, the roses and drinking liquid in champagne form amo gest the many i like. A very wonderful treat for anyone. Scrumptious photos.
” chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment “
I’d never thought of Willy Wonka. They need to do a chocolate stream for next time. Is it your favourite Roald Dahl book?
Yes, that would look very lovely. It is a novel I loved reading a few years ago that made me feel in awe of the marvellous designs Roald Dahl had come up with. The fantastical approach could melt your heart as much as your tastebuds.
It would probably be mine too. Though I don’t remember disliking any of them. He had such imagination and such consistency as a writer. My favourites are still his short stories though.
Is this show still on now? if yes where is it, this is a must go to event!
It was only on for a weekend. We’ll get organised for next year though 🙂
Oh my goodness, I’m not sure if I want to roll in it or eat it all!! Such a great post!
Look out for more photos tomorrow 🙂
Oh my! I always said that one day I’d get a chocolate fountain haha ~ Awesome show by the looks of it 🙂
You so should do that! Make sure you have mint chocolate represented in there too.
This looks awesome! 😎 Great photos!
Thanks 🙂 Wanted to give a good idea of just how much different types of chocolate there was, and how pretty the designs were. Not to mention the unusual artwork.
I think it’s awesome and very beautiful!!!😎 Great job!😉
So happy you like it 🙂
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So much chocolate. I could just look at this post all day.
Feel free to haha. Maybe you’ll get the chance to go next year.
Who knows?
That’s a lot of chocolate. 😉 Love the artwork ones but they’re all great. Thanks for sharing Alex what’s going down in your part of the world.
How have I not heard of this?!! My kind of heaven…a chocolate feast for the eyes and I love the creative art pieces! Wonderful post…and see if I can make it next year!
Go for it. You can buy tickets on the gate but easier and cheaper to buy them in advance. It runs for three days.
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