My top pick of the most indulgent hot chocolates to warm yourself up on a wintery day in Newcastle and around the North East.
Hot chocolate season has arrived at last! These rich, cocoa-infused drinks make the perfect treat on a frosty day or after a stroll outdoors. And with so many tempting flavours and toppings available, there’s a hot chocolate for everyone.
As a girl who doesn’t drink tea regularly or coffee at all – hot chocs are the only hot drinks I have, so you could say I’m something of an expert when it comes to finding the best cups of velvety, chocolatey goodness locally!
Here are five of my favourites certain to satisfy every type of hot chocolate lover this winter.
Proven
Proven is known locally for its scrumptious selection of freshly-made doughnuts. However, a visit to its bakery in Hoults Yard wouldn’t be complete without ordering a hot chocolate topped with toasted, whipped marshmallow fluff and chocolate shavings. There’s nothing else quite like it in Newcastle. And for something extra special, try the Funfetti Fluff dipped in rainbow sprinkles.
The Landing
When you’re prepared to drive over 40 miles just for a hot chocolate, you know it must be good! The Landing is a beach cafe and tipi at the beautiful Beadnell Bay in Northumberland, and its deluxe hot chocs are divine. They’re ultra smooth and silky in texture, and the staff are always generous with the cream and marshmallow toppings. A little shortbread biscuit on the side to dunk into your drink is also a lovely touch.
Gosforth Traders
This cosy neighbourhood cafe on Salters Road in Gosforth serves regular and large-sized hot chocolates, with or without marshmallows and cream. A mint flavoured hot choc is also available – think an After Eight in a cup. If you do go all-out, the huge dollop of cream on top makes this one of the most indulgent hot choc experiences in the city.
Föda
Föda is a snuggly coastal cafe and top brunch destination in Whitley Bay. I can easily drink two cups of their frothy hot chocolates on a single visit, as they are that good. They’re usually dusted with cocoa powder or sprinkled with chocolate curls, and they’re so chocolatey and simply perfect as they are – no other frills are needed!
Cake Stories
Cake Stories is an Instagram-worthy cafe at Hoults Yard with a quirky shipping container lounge and outdoor seating area that’s perfect for drinking al fresco in the crisp winter sunshine. You’ll find dark and white hot chocolates on the menu which come in a cute mason jar, as well as an ‘extra special hot choc’ laced with whipped cream and salted caramel sauce.
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