Can anyone recommend a nice(preferably independent) chocolatier?

[ConfusedandContrary]

I'm looking to buy some special chocolates online for a friend. There's so many though. I don't know where to begin. She's always been a fan of supporting independent and small businesses(as am I) so I don't want to go with Hotel Chocolat for her.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. TIA

Be Chocolat. Their shop is chocolate heaven; it’s all made in the basement and the smell wafts out into the street.

www.bechocolatbrighton.com/

Another vote for
https://www.artisanduchocolat.com

Second wickedly Welsh - they do amazing chocolate terrines

Oh great.

Chockablock Ltd, based in Portsmouth. I believe you can order online as well. They make delicious chocolates.

I knew I was in trouble the minute I saw this thread.

@Mondayblues7, thanks for the link to the Kennedy's chocolates last night. I ordered 2 gifts today from it, but I want them myself. Now I have no money and no chocolate. (But I am filled with hope.)

If you’re close to Manchester there is Bon Bon. Amazing home made chocolate! I’m not sure if they deliver though.

Slatterys do the best chocolate pretzels
My dad "chocolate? And pretzels? Nah"
10 mins later he's eaten the entire pot and demanded we get more

Thank you all so much for the recommendations. I'll be keeping a list and trying to sample as many as possible for scientific purposes. I've decided to treat myself occasionally in addition to buying some for my Friend.

www.mirriedancers.co.uk/shop

Absolutely delightful flavours and visually stunning.

( @MrsAmaretto has good taste!)

Pierre Marcolini are the best chocolates in the world.

Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier - truffles are amazing

Agree, we were in the shop a few weeks ago. Lovely chocolate.

Cenu Cacao in Leamington Spa do "bean to bar" chocolate, so they start with the actual cocoa beans and take it right through to chocolate.
They are very nice and Rosemary actaully grew up on a Nigerian cocoa farm :)
The only slight downside is they have "standard round trays" and some chocolates are larger than that so arrive foil-wrapped, but the chocolate itself is excellent, especially the passionfruit and rose truffle.

@Cazziebo thank you! I enjoy tasting them :) They are stunning and utterly delicious, I really recommend them.

I really like Harry Specter's. They provide employment opportunities for people with autism and make banging chocolates too. You can order online:

www.harryschocs.co.uk/

Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier - we did a tasting there yesterday and loved them!

lorge.ie/ Fab chocolate.

lorge.ie/ Fab chocolate.

Another one for slatterys, you can order online too.

I think it’s quite expensive but it is very nice

Another recommendation for Gorvett & Stone in Henley on Thames www.gorvettandstone.com Absolutely delicious handmade chocolates and truffles. They do free delivery on orders over £30 (placed an order a while ago, all for myself, such a treat).

Agree with Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier. They do tastings where you have headphones and the chocolate is described as you taste. I'm pretty sure I've seen that you can buy one as a gift to be done at home. Amazing chocolate!