La Chocolatier

In September 2011, we had purchased a chocolate-​tasting package and went to our reservation. It was a very quiet place the entire time we were there, which was nice, but considering only 1 extra customer came in during our 1 hour evening reservation might prove to be a struggle to stay profitable.
The package include chocolate tasting, fondu, a glass of champagne and a specialty cocktail (we opted for Kir Royales). Everything was delicious.
What was a major disappointment was the service. Considering we were basically the only customers, you’d think we would get attentive service. Nope! Instead we felt like we were nuisances by being there. The server was young (early 20’s), and just did not seem to care.
Most memorable of his lack-​luster was when I had to ask if he had other fondu dipping items. See, I’m allergic to strawberries and pitted fruits. Yes, I know… strange. So when we got only strawberries for the fondu, I had to ask if they had other dipping options. You would have thought I asked him to hand over the money in the till! He stared at me, and then huffed and puffed making it sound like they would be making a huge sacrifice to find something else (remember how we were the only paying customers?).
Needless to say, I have no plans to return.

One of the best places in Manchester to enjoy a nice coffee and a great cake! Not to forget the delicious chocolates. It was my second visit and on both occasions I was impressed by the service and courtesy of staff and the quality of chocolate, coffee and cakes (I’ve had 10 chocolates, most of them alcohol (!) truffles, a black coffee and a lemon cheesecake — if you are a fan of everything lemon like I am, you’ll love this one!). I’ve also taken a photo of my cake as I loved the presentation of it.
They are resonably priced as well compared to other similar businesses in Manchester town centre. Seating is very comfortable, music — good (low volume). Also, I liked the fact that there is enough room between tables so you don’t have to listen to other people’s conversations.
Overall, a great experience, which I’m looking forward to enjoy again soon!

All you need to do is take a quick gander at my recent reviews to see how proud I am of Manchester these days. Currently, we have amazing specialist independent businesses popping up left, right and centre… and most of them are easily accessible around the City Centre. But what could be more accessible (and sophisticated for that matter) than the Royal Exchange Arcade? And wha — - ohhhhhhhhh, chocolate…
See, enter La Chocolatier and enter a cocoa trance. That’s what happened to me when I popped over there on the recommendation of my friend Damien, whom I’m forever indebted to for spotting this little number, Sleekly decorated and deliciously finished off, it was the height of humidity when I stopped here and their air conditioning was a breath of fresh air, ensuring that chocolate stayed solid until it touched your tongue. Aside from the famous Slattery’s all the way in Bury, we tend to be short of unique and local chocolate shops in Manchester, but La Chocolatier has come along and bashed that wall down with a big hammer made of nougat and serotonin. Everything from indulgent hot chocolates to fondues, cakes to truffles, fudges to tarts, your every bean-​driven whim can be satisfied here. I was given a sample milk truffle, a heart-​shaped one at that (how appropriate for my disgracefully soppy state at the moment), and I had to maintain a silence for a moment while conversing with one of the owners (who are as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as you could hope for) as this thing was worth getting a room with.
Oh, and ELH’s other foolproof test? The coffee. Spot on, just the right amount of kick. Anything else? Well they have signature cocktails you can partake in — I for one can think of nothing better than hanging out with some friends, having a catch-​up and a tipple and a few shared choccy desserts. Experiences like that can make one’s day. Once more I beg you dear Unilocalers to keep these indies going… don’t deny us our chocolatey fix!