According to science, drinking hot chocolate can temporarily make you smarter. We’re not sure about that, but drinking it during these winter months is definitely a smart move. From a sophisticated mug of rich, chocolatey heaven to a goblet of milky goodness overflowing with gooey marshmallows and cream, nothing can beat a hot chocolate on a cold day. We’ve found the best places to grab a hug in a mug – yes, it can only be hot chocolate – that can fight off the winter blues and make us almost glad it’s Christmas. Here’s your guide to the dreamiest hot chocolates in Birmingham.
1. Cadbury World
No list of Birmingham’s hot choc spots could be complete without Cadbury World, the home of chocolate manufacturing. According to Cadbury’s, 64,800 of their bars can be wrapped in just one hour! At that kind of pace, it shows why the chocolate company is so popular. Head to the Cadbury’s Cafe on your visit where you can enjoy a hot chocolate with either milk or white chocolate which will taste like a Dairy Milk or Dream bar. Sip on an intense cup with lashings of whipped cream, marshmallows and a Flake for extra indulgence.
Linden Road, B30 1JR
2. Medicine Bakery
Medicine Bakery on New Street is a serene and spacious that sits you among overgrown houseplants. Where better to relax with a hot chocolate. Not only can vegans get in on the rich and chocolatey action, but you can order a white hot chocolate for something extra sweet and special. Just for a little extra, you must add whipped cream and marshmallows. The perfect cosy drink carry around the attached art gallery.
69a New Street, Birmingham B2 4DU
Mailbox Birmingham, 53 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RE
3. Centenary Lounge
Get on board the hot chocolate hype at Centenary Lounge located at two of Birmingham’s stations. Here you can enjoy a deliciously rich hot chocolate but with a difference. You can top your drink with lavish extras, including chocolate flakes, marshmallows and cream. Plus, you can pick a flavoured hot chocolate, such as mint, hazelnut, praline, and cherry. Or if you want something stronger or for when there’s a real nip in the air, add a shot of Baileys or coffee liqueur (we know which one we would choose).
Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station, B3 2BJ
Birmingham Moor Street Station, B4 7UL
4. Eis Cafe
Look at that, just look at it! If that’s not one of the most indulgent hot chocolates you’ve ever seen, then we have nothing more to say. Time and time again, Eis Cafe produces some of the most jaw-dropping hot chocolates in Birmingham. This one features Kinder chocolate and Nutella, topped with whipped cream, Biscoff crumb and roasted marshmallows.
5. Quarter Horse Coffee
If you’ve ever seen Quarter Horse Coffee’s Instagram account then you’ll know their aesthetic is on point. And their hot chocolate doesn’t miss the mark either. One of their indulgent seasonal specials is a peppermint version with activated charcoal and a a candy cane for that extra seasonal feel. And whilst you’re there, why not buy some of their freshly ground coffee to enjoy at home?
88-90 Bristol Street, B5 7AH
6. Coffee Tales
Home to some incredible cakes, Coffee Tales is always worth popping your head in even if you’ve no intention to buy anything (although we often leave with something). During these colder days, why not grab a Black Forest hot chocolate – made with chocolate chips and topped with whipped cream – while you’re there? You can also shake things up with a white hot chocolate too.
Unit 2, Heritage Court, 17-21 Warstone Ln, Birmingham B18 6HP
182-184 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9PP
7. Yorks
Yorks deals in authentic Belgian hot chocolates, meaning it is actually made with Belgian chocolate drops. A mere sip will not only bless you with a comforting wave of warmth, but maybe even transport you to the idyllic streets of Antwerp.
They offer milk, white and dark chocolate, plus, in the festive season, special concoctions such as The Narnia, comprising rose water, Turkish Delight and of course a dollop of whipped cream. They have two branches in Birmingham, one on Stephenson Street and another at Ikon Gallery; perfect for perusing art before discussing the pieces over a hot chocolate.
29 / 30 Stephenson St, Birmingham B2 4BH
8. Pause
Pause can be found nestled in the trendy suburb of King’s Heath. The pink-walled setting is a dreamy haven where you can sip one of their tasty hot chocolates while breathing in the natural floral scents. No doubt their tempting array of brownies and whoopee pies will catch your eye also.
Unit 2, 92 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ
9. The Coffee Bar
The Coffee Bar has so much more than what it says on the tin. One thing in particular (if you haven’t guessed already) is some delicious hot chocolate. If you fancy a meet up with your coffee-loving friends but are after something a little sweeter yourself this is the perfect place, complete with friendly staff and an irresistible selection of cakes. If you’re after something extra special you can treat yourself to the salted caramel hot chocolate.
12 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5HG
10. Cherry Reds
A popular local haunt, Cherry Reds pairs vintage decor with a relaxing, homely ambience. Once you sink into the tufted red leather sofa and scan the menu, you’ll soon be lost in a hot chocolate heaven. You could go classic with the regular Cadbury’s milk chocolate, mix it up with a white chocolate, or you may be drawn to the Deluxe –with cream and marshmallows.
You could also spice things up a little and opt for the Mexican; a pick me up with cinnamon and chilli. Don’t worry, Vegans are not forgotten with an vegan Oreo hot chocolate. If somehow you’re still not convinced, there’s often a weekly special with a flavoursome twist.
88-92 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BN
11. The Chocolate Quarter
If you want great coffee, go to a coffee shop, but for incredible hot chocolates, you’ll need a chocolatier. Based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, The Chocolate Quarter knows quality chocolate. Selling these “hot chocolate spoons” with some delicious flavours (Irish cream, whisky, salted caramel and marshmallow), you can now make the greatest hot chocolates at home! Simply pop your spoon into a cup of hot milk and stir until the chocolate melts.
1A Spencer St, Birmingham B18 6DD
12. Boston Tea Party
With multiple branches in and around Birmingham, it seems Boston Tea Party is quite a popular drinking hole for Brummies. This cosy coffee house has an array of well-crafted drinks to choose from, including their hot chocolate.
Boston Tea Party is the perfect place to run into to escape the cold, wet weather. Sit with a cup of frothy goodness with lashings of whipped cream and marshmallows here and and watch life go by. If their drink is not enough of a sweet fix for you, order their pancakes from their brunch menu.
190 Corporation Street, B4 6QD
30 Harborne Road, B15 3AA
Herbert Road, Solihull, B91 3QE