Hidden Gems

Melt Chocolates

Portobello Road is always bustling with tourists, but within this bubble is a plethora of independent stores that hold the community together. For Valentine's Day, we teamed up with our friends at Melt to create a luxurious vegan gift box made in-house at their store by world-class chocolatiers. We caught up with the owners to talk about the local area, chocolates, and high quality ingredients.

How long have you been in the area/why this area?

Melt opened its door in 2005 in Notting Hill since we love this neighbourhood and has been home for many years, where our children have grown up and we could not think of a better place.

What inspired you to start your business?

Having 4 small children really encouraged my wife Louise to start a chocolate business where all raw ingredients and the manufacturing of the products were a lot ethical and healthier than the confectionary you find in the supermarkets. We use a lot less sugar for example and we avoid conservatives and preservatives, everything is more natural and fresh.

What’s the best thing about living and working in the neighbourhood?

The green space, the amazing shops we have around and the quietness, village feel, of it being so close to central London.

Any fond memories of being in the area?

Many! Being in this neighbourhood, any experience is great.