Charbonnel et Walker: London's Historic Luxury Chocolatier

Discover over 150 years of British chocolate mastery and timeless elegance at Charbonnel et Walker in London’s Royal Arcade.

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Charbonnel et Walker

Established in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker is Britain’s first luxury chocolatier, located in the elegant Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street, London. Renowned for exquisite handmade chocolates and truffles crafted from traditional recipes, this iconic shop blends rich heritage with timeless elegance. Its signature Pink Marc de Champagne truffles and beautifully presented gift boxes make it a must-visit destination for chocolate connoisseurs and lovers of refined British craftsmanship.

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
Mid ranged
Indoor
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

Try the iconic Pink Marc de Champagne truffles, a signature delicacy filled with decadent Marc de Champagne ganache.
Visit on weekdays for a quieter shopping experience in the elegant Royal Arcade setting.
Consider purchasing a bespoke gift box, selecting individual chocolates to personalize your present.
Explore seasonal offerings like the Milk Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, especially popular during festive periods.

Getting There

London Underground

Take the Central Line to Bond Street Station, approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk through Mayfair to the Royal Arcade. The station is well-served and accessible, with frequent trains running every 2-5 minutes. No entrance fee applies; Oyster or contactless payment is recommended.
Bus

Several London bus routes stop near Old Bond Street, including routes 7, 8, 10, and 73. Travel times vary between 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are wheelchair accessible, and contactless payment is accepted. Note that traffic congestion may affect punctuality.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing

A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London locations typically takes 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Prices range from £8 to £20. Note that parking is limited and expensive in Mayfair, so drop-off is recommended.
Walking

If staying nearby in Mayfair or Soho, walking to the Royal Arcade is pleasant and takes about 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat terrain with well-maintained pavements. Suitable for most visitors, including those with moderate mobility.

Charbonnel et Walker location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Charbonnel et Walker

A Legacy of British Chocolate Craftsmanship

Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker stands as Britain's first luxury chocolatier, born from the partnership of Madame Charbonnel, trained in Parisian chocolate artistry, and Mrs Walker, a master of exquisite gift box design. Encouraged by Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, the duo brought the refined tradition of Parisian chocolate making to London’s exclusive Bond Street. Their original shop opened on New Bond Street and has since moved to the elegant Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street, maintaining a prestigious presence in Mayfair.

Royal Patronage and Enduring Prestige

Charbonnel et Walker’s reputation was solidified through its Royal Warrant, held from 1970 to 2022, as chocolatiers to Queen Elizabeth II. This distinguished recognition reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. The chocolatier’s clientele has included royalty, aristocrats, and cultural icons such as Princess Diana and Sir Alec Guinness, weaving the brand into the fabric of British high society and history.

Exquisite Handmade Chocolates and Signature Truffles

The chocolates are crafted using only the finest dark couverture and traditional recipes that have been preserved for over a century. Signature offerings include the Pink Marc de Champagne truffles, filled with decadent Marc de Champagne ganache and encased in a strawberry-flavored white chocolate shell. Other favorites include the English Rose and Violet creams, sea salt caramel truffles, and a variety of elegantly decorated chocolates with nuts, swirls, and delicate finishes. Many chocolates are hand-made, ensuring artisanal quality and attention to detail.

Elegant Presentation and Bespoke Gifting

Charbonnel et Walker is as renowned for its packaging as for its chocolates. Gift boxes are hand-tied with luxurious satin ribbons, reflecting the brand’s heritage of combining confectionery excellence with beautiful presentation. The Boîte Blanche, introduced in 1909, remains an iconic style for bespoke gifts. Customers can select individual chocolates to create personalized assortments, making each gift a unique expression of care and refinement.

The Royal Arcade Setting and Visitor Experience

Situated within one of London’s most elegant shopping arcades, the Royal Arcade, the store offers an immersive experience of British luxury and tradition. The arcade’s refined architecture complements the chocolatier’s timeless aesthetic, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the rich aromas and visual delight of chocolates displayed in classic, beautifully designed boxes, making the visit a sensory pleasure.

Global Reach and Contemporary Appeal

While rooted in tradition, Charbonnel et Walker continues to innovate with new truffle flavors and collections that appeal to modern tastes. The brand has expanded beyond London with stores in Leeds and Canary Wharf and has gained international recognition, including markets in Japan. Despite its global reach, it remains a quintessentially British symbol of luxury chocolate making.

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