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The 13 Best Spots in Manchester for that Fantastic Hot Chocolate Cuppa
- Factory Coffee Manchester
- Creams Cafe - Manchester Arndale
- Cocoa Tree Chorlton
- Caramello Didsbury
- Hotel Chocolat Trafford Centre
- Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
- Three Shades at Slattery
- Alex’s Bakery
- Chelsea Manchester
- The Brewentists Cafe
- Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
- Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
- Pure Cocoa Fine Chocolates
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Definitely not this guy.
This delightful treat holds a special place in our hearts, no matter the season. When made into a hot drink, I say it can even be as powerful as chicken soup (or pho) in soothing the soul.
Hot chocolate is incredibly versatile. You can make it yourself by mixing instant cocoa or chocolate chips from your pantry with milk, or avoid the mess and just buy a handcrafted cup from your favourite cafe or chocolatier (chocolate maker).
If you don’t have a go-to brand or shop for your hot chocolate fix yet, this guide is for you. Here’s Master Manchester’s curated list of the best hot cocoa spots in the area!
Factory Coffee Manchester
Media from Factory Coffee Mcr
Address: 38 King St W, M3 2PJ
Contact details: 0161 236 5379
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Factory Coffee is a little café along King St W off of Deansgate. It’s a hotspot in the area for artisanal coffee, as well as the speciality doughnuts and cakes that pair so well with the drinks sold here.
However, if you’re not that into caffeinated drinks or just looking for a break from the jitters, then this is still the place for you. There’s hot chocolate in its specials.
Factory Coffee’s version of the drink is a must-try. Made with real Belgian chocolate chips, this warm beverage is a testament to the shop’s commitment to using only high-quality ingredients.
| Pro tip: There isn’t much sitting space inside Factory Coffee’s shop, so be prepared to drink your hot chocolate outdoors. |
Creams Cafe – Manchester Arndale
Media from Creams Cafe Arndale
Address: Unit R9, Halle Place, Manchester Arndale, Market St M4 3AQ
Contact details: 0161 503 1496
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: £
If you’re anywhere near Manchester Arndale and are craving some hot chocolate, give Creams Cafe a visit. This shop’s neon signs might be a tad brighter than we would’ve wanted, but the food and drinks are perfect for quick bites and warming up.
Creams Cafe has two variants of drinking hot chocolate: the original one made with milk chocolate, and another that’s as white as snow. Choosing either will give you a sweet, warming experience on a chilly day.
If you want something to go with your hot cuppa, we highly suggest getting one of Creams Cafe’s overloaded waffles.
| Pro tip: Feeling a bit lost? Creams Cafe is located at the Halle Place open area, straight ahead from The Arndale’s Market Street entrance. |
Cocoa Tree Chorlton
Media from Cocoa Tree
Address: 426 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy M21 0AS
Contact details: 0161 881 1669
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Cocoa Tree is an artisanal, family-run chocolatier with a branch in Chorlton. The shop specializes in handcrafted candy chocolates like bars and eggs, and it also has a cosy café area serving hot drinks and desserts.
Don’t forget to try their hot chocolate during your visit.
The shop doesn’t have a secret recipe for this cocoa in a cup—in fact, it’s known that the shop mixes 37% and 70% melted chocolate with warm milk, and uses a coffee machine’s steam wand to heat and blend the drink into completion.
Everything is then served with whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow for the perfect picture-worthy cup.
| Pro tip: Check out Cocoa Tree Chorlton’s social media pages for special deals and promos! |
Caramello Didsbury
Media from Caramello
Address: 10 Whitechapel St, Didsbury M20 6UB
Contact details: 0161 823 7242
Operating hours: Daily – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Caramello in Didsbury is one of the home-grown cafe chain’s two branches in Manchester. Between the two, this one’s the crowd favourite.
This cafe is popular for its extensive and tasty brunch menu offerings. In particular, the French Toast and coffee here make its patrons come back time and again to Caramello.
The hot chocolate here is also splendid. You can enjoy it plain, topped with Nutella or Lotus Biscoff, or flavoured, infused with hazelnut or peanut butter—-for an extra treat, add whipped cream and marshmallows to this cuppa.
You can also get a cup of mocha if you like your chocolate to have a kick of caffeine.
| Pro tip: Since Didsbury is the busiest Caramello branch, it doesn’t take reservations. You’ll need to walk in on the day of your visit, and there’s likely to be a long queue. |
Hotel Chocolat Trafford Centre
Media from Hotel Chocolat
Address: 125A Regent Crescent, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AR
Contact details: 0161 749 7644
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Sometimes, good hot chocolate can come in a sachet. No need to venture out on a chilly or snowy day just for a warm cup of cocoa.
Hotel Chocolat’s Trafford Centre branch is the best and biggest place in Manchester to find great hot chocolate you can easily prepare at home.
This luxury chocolate manufacturer offers a wide variety of drinking hot chocolate mixes, including holiday-inspired flavours like peppermint and white chocolate, as well as mince pie.
It’s also famous for the Velvetiser, an appliance that can help anyone make barista-level hot chocolate in the comfort of their kitchen.
| Pro tip: All of Hotel Chocolat’s branches in Manchester are retail shops only. These don’t have any café areas for dine-in services. |
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
Address: 1st Floor, Affleck’s Palace, 52 Church Street M4 1PW
Contact details: 7980 628868
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Who would’ve thought that an ice cream shop would also be serving hot drinks? I guess we can blame the four seasons for that.
Nevertheless, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium adds more comfort for its loyal patrons by having hot chocolate in its menu. You can enjoy it as it is or as a float topped with the shop’s artisan ice cream, giving the drink just the right twist!
While we’re not sure if the hot concoctions are available at Ginger’s carts in markets and festivals, they are definitely available at their parlour in Affleck’s Palace—drop by to taste the creamier difference.
| Pro tip: Ginger’s Affleck Ice Cream Bar has limited seating. Arrive early to claim one of the shop’s coveted spots near the windows! |
Three Shades at Slattery
Media from Slattery
Address: 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield M45 6GE
Contact details: 0161 767 9303
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: ££
Slattery, the famous cake and chocolate shop in Whitefield, is home to the Masons Dining Room, its in-house cafe and restaurant located on the first floor. Here, you can enjoy brunch, snacks, desserts, and of course, Slattery’s signature hot chocolates.
The hot chocolates come in three varieties—Alpine (white), Swiss (milk), and Noir (dark). Each is served in a tall glass lined with melted Belgian chocolate, filled with warm chocolate milk, and topped with Slattery’s signature chocolate disc.
You can also add toppings like marshmallows, fresh cream, and chocolate-coated strawberries. Feel free to go easy or overload your glass—just note that each topping comes with an added cost.
| Pro tip: Prove your chocolate-lover status by taking on Slattery’s Chocolate Challenge! Finish the large, all-chocolate dessert platter with a glass of hot chocolate in one sitting, and you’ll earn a special medal plus get more chocolate. |
Alex’s Bakery
Media from Alex’s Bakery
Address: 225 Deansgate M3 4EN
Contact details: 0800 975 0280
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Alex’s Bakery off of Deansgate is first and foremost a custom cake shop, but you can also dine in and have a dose of its dessert and drinks selection. Yes, that includes delicious hot chocolate!
The best thing about the hot chocolates here is that the shop adds a twist to the traditional drink during the holiday season. As of this writing, Alex’s offers pistachio, cinnamon, hazelnut, and gingerbread flavour—-oh, there’s also a “ruby” variant, which uses white chocolate dyed pink.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for this bakery’s next reinventions of the humble hot chocolate. Can’t wait!
| Pro tip: If you’re vegan, you can swap to oat milk for your hot chocolate. Enjoy a creamy, delicious drink without compromising your dietary choices! |
Chelsea Manchester
Media from Whittard of Chelsea
Address: 6 Market St M1 1PT
Contact details: 0161 832 3362
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – 9;30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
If you want the OG hot chocolate experience, head to Whittard of Chelsea’s branch along Market St, especially if you’re visiting Manchester Arndale (they’re just in the same neighbourhood), to get the one of the finest hot chocolate mixes out there.
Whittard of Chelsea offers an extensive range of hot chocolate flavours, made from the finest ingredients. There’s always the Luxury hot chocolate (in classic and white versions) on its shelves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the cookies and cream or raspberry variants.
You’ll need to make the actual cup of hot chocolate yourself at home, but that’s actually a plus—it lets you customize the sweetness and creaminess to your liking.
| Pro tip: Occasionally, the shop has a free sample area where you can try a cup of Whittard’s hot chocolate before deciding which variant to buy. |
The Brewentists Cafe
Media from The Brewentists
Address: 7 Cooper St, M2 2FW
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
The Brewentists Cafe blends Greek pastries with artisanal coffee and drinks. Conveniently located in Manchester City’s Chinatown area, it’s a must-visit spot.
If you’re in the area and craving hot chocolate, don’t hesitate to order a cup. It’s rich and pairs surprisingly well with the shop’s spanakopita (a Greek spinach and feta pie) or baklava.
In addition to Greek treats, The Brewentists Cafe offers a variety of British desserts like cakes and pies. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, there are plenty of great options to choose from.
| Pro tip: The cafe has limited seating but doesn’t feel cramped. However, there’s no outdoor seating available if the inside seats are full. |
Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
Media from Cocoa Cabana
Address: 7 Murray St, Ancoats M4 6HS
Contact details: 0161 236 4784
Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Another chocolatier on our list is the Cocoa Cabana Ancoats branch. This shop is fantastic, not only because it’s a chocolate maker, tearoom, and cocktail bar in one, but also because it serves exceptional hot chocolate drinks!
The hot cocoa here comes in the House Blend variety and numerous speciality flavours like Tiramisu, Milk Java 36%, and Dark Ecuadorian 70%, offering a culinary journey through different chocolate origins.
You can enjoy your cup of hot chocolate à la carte or as part of Cocoa Cabana’s afternoon tea sets, which include a selection of their finest pastries.
| Pro tip: You can give the Cocoa Cabana experience to your friends and family by purchasing vouchers at the shop and gifting them out. Some vouchers are even discounted during key holidays! |
Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
Media from Pot Kettle Black – AG
Address: Moda, Angel Gardens, 1 Rochdale Rd M4 4GE
Contact details: 0161 503 8580
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Pot Kettle Black is known for its coffee and brunch meals, but its hot chocolate is also a standout, in our humble opinion. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or a leisurely brunch, their hot chocolate is a must-try.
The shop keeps its hot chocolate creamy, sweet, and simple, which we absolutely love. You can enjoy your hot chocolate plain or opt for the full works, which includes additional toppings for just 50p more.
Pair your hot chocolate with one of their delicious pastries, cakes, or brunch items for the perfect treat.
| Pro tip: Pot Kettle Black in Angel Gardens is quite popular and often crowded, especially during Comedy Cabaret nights. To ensure seating (and maybe some Cabaret tickets), book in advance via its website. |
Pure Cocoa Fine Chocolates
Media from Pure Cocoa Hot Chocolates
Address: 2A Commercial Rd, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4AA
Contact details: 0161 483 2228
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
Pure Cocoa Fine Chocolates might be a bit far from the city centre (it’s in Stockport), but it’s still one of the best places in Manchester for hot chocolate!
The shop offers the most extensive range of hot chocolate variants we’ve seen in any cafe. You can choose from classic options like dark, milk, or white hot chocolate, as well as fruit flavours like orange, hazelnut, and peppermint.
The standout items are the Aztec and Mayan hot chocolates, which you can enhance with cinnamon or chilli for an authentic experience, just like the ancient South Americans enjoyed theirs!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to buy some of the shop’s candies and artisan chocolates. Each purchase supports The Chocolate Dream, a project aiding Colombian chocolate farmers through social, health, and economic initiatives. |
