Londoners Magazine

Marmite chocolate? A chocolatier on Camden Passage has earned a reputation for its unique flavours, but if marmite’s not your thing then perhaps you’re curious to try the bergamot, mandarin caramel and geranium truffles. Sarah Riches tasted them all, all in the name of research of course…

Paul opened his shop, Paul A Young, in April 2006 because he “couldn’t find truly fresh chocolate.” All the chocolates are handmade on the premises; because they’re so fresh they must be eaten within five days.
You know the chocolate you buy won’t last that long once you’re hit by the smell of bitter chocolate as soon as you walk in the shop.

It’s hard to choose which ones to buy. Even Paul can’t decide on his favourite. “It depends on the day, the weather, and how I feel. I have a different favourite each week, but I like the rhubarb and ginger, and the champagne.”

The flavours change weekly, sometimes daily. What inspires Paul?
“It just comes out of my head. I get bored when I’m not creative. We’re very seasonal.” So around Mother’s Day you could expect rose-flavoured chocolates, and during winter months the rhubarb is popular.

I tried the kalamansi truffle, based on an Asian fruit. It tasted of tangy lemon sorbet, which made my tongue tingle. Dull yellow liquid oozed out of its dark chocolate casing, which was decorated with a sliver of gold leaf. I also tried crème de cassis; it tasted of blackcurrant fruit juice. Delicate pink and white spots splattered its milk chocolate casing. Inside was a plum coloured truffle, a mousse whipped so softly it seemed like liquid in my mouth.

Attention to detail is noticeable from the dried lavender decorating the lavender truffle to the burgundy ribbons that wrap the gift boxes. But when you’re ripping open your box, you won’t be thinking about its packaging.

Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
Camden Passage, Islington, N1
020 7424 5750
www.paulayoung.co.uk
Opening times: Closed Mon-Tues. Wed-Thur 11am-6pm; Fri 11am-7pm; Sun 12-5pm.
Typical prices: £1.50 for 1 truffle; £6 for 4. Bars of chocolate £3.95-4.95. Woven hearts with 23 carat gold leaf £9.95-10.95.

Corporate events and an introduction to fine chocolate events can be arranged.