Background

Charbonnel et Walker – London’s First Luxury Chocolatier

Britain’s first luxury chocolatier since 1875, nestled in Mayfair’s Royal Arcade – where tradition, truffles and royal patronage meet in every exquisite box.

4.6

Step into Charbonnel et Walker in Mayfair’s elegant Royal Arcade, Britain’s first luxury chocolatier since 1875. Inside this timeless Bond Street shop, discover handcrafted truffles, classic English rose and violet creams, and the iconic Pink Marc de Champagne truffle, all presented in beautifully tied gift boxes. A favourite of royalty and connoisseurs, this is chocolate as heritage, art, and indulgence – a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest British chocolates in one of London’s most refined shopping arcades.

A brief summary to Charbonnel et Walker

  • One, 28 The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, London, W1S 4BT, GB
  • +442073182075
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 11:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid the busiest shopping hours and enjoy a more relaxed tasting and selection experience.
  • Ask about the signature truffles and classics like the Pink Marc de Champagne and English Rose & Violet creams – staff are usually happy to describe and sometimes offer small samples.
  • Consider the Boîte Blanche or a small curated selection if you want a personalised gift; the shop’s traditional, compact size makes browsing intimate and special.
widget icon

Charbonnel et Walker location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Charbonnel et Walker

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Charbonnel et Walker

A Legacy of Luxury Chocolate

Founded in 1875 on London’s exclusive Bond Street, Charbonnel et Walker holds the distinction of being Britain’s first luxury chocolatier. Encouraged by Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, the partnership between Madame Charbonnel, a master chocolatier from Paris, and Mrs Walker, a maker of exquisite gift boxes, created a new standard for fine chocolate in Victorian London. Their vision was simple: to craft the most delicious chocolates, presented in beautiful boxes worthy of the finest gifts. That legacy continues today in the same elegant Royal Arcade, where tradition, craftsmanship and royal patronage are woven into every box.

Inside the Royal Arcade Shop

Housed in the ornate Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street, the shop exudes old-world charm and quiet luxury. The interior is compact yet richly detailed, with polished wood, gleaming glass cases and a warm, cocoa-scented air that draws you in. Here, chocolates are displayed like jewels: dark, milk and white varieties, each with its own character, from smooth ganaches to delicate fondants. The atmosphere is refined and unhurried, inviting you to browse, sample and choose with care, just as generations of discerning customers have done before.

Signature Creations and Timeless Favourites

Charbonnel et Walker is renowned for its truffles, especially the iconic Pink Marc de Champagne truffle – a milk chocolate shell filled with a brandy-infused ganache, presented in a distinctive pink box. Equally beloved are the English Rose and Violet creams, with their floral fondant centres and crystallised petals, and the rich, buttery sea salt caramel truffles in both milk and dark chocolate. Traditional favourites like Falstaff, Amande and Bittermints sit alongside modern creations, all made to time-honoured recipes using high-quality couverture and classic ingredients, ensuring a consistently luxurious experience.

Chocolates as Gifts and Keepsakes

A visit to Charbonnel et Walker is as much about the ritual of gifting as it is about taste. Chocolates are presented in beautifully designed boxes, hand-tied with satin ribbons, making them ideal for special occasions. The Boîte Blanche, introduced in 1909, remains a classic choice for a bespoke selection, while gift hampers and seasonal collections offer elegant options for any recipient. For many, a box from Charbonnel et Walker is not just a treat, but a small piece of British confectionery history – a gift that carries the weight of tradition and the pleasure of exceptional flavour.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Charbonnel et Walker

Popular Hotels near Charbonnel et Walker

Select Currency