Guilbert’s

Geez. I thought this place had closed… it used to be in the alley next door to the Centrespace gallery, and last time I tried to find it I was crestfallen… but it turns out it’s just moved! Phew! And to a bigger and better shop.
This always used to be my ‘secret chocolate factory’ — right in the heart of Bristol, tucked away down a lane, where they hand-​make absolutely wonderful chocolates for high-​end retailers. Yet you could walk right in to their premises and buy mis-​shapes right there, in a paper bag.
Goodness, I brought so many people here to show off my knowledge of this hidden gem. You’d walk in, and the cocoa smell was so wonderfully overpowering… Someone would hear the bell and come and serve you, still with their hat and gloves from working on the confectioner’s table. Aside from the delicious smell and delicious chocolates (my favourite was always the Lilac Crème), it was a privilege to see a niche industry in action.
Now Guilbert is in a ‘proper’ shop. Go up Corn St, follow the road around to the left and there it is. A traditional chocolate shop! They deserve their success, the chocolates are utterly delicious and always beautifully presented. Birthdays, St. Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday, special occasions… look no further :-)