Melt’s Bonbon Making Notting Hill 2025: A Sweet Review

Arriving at Melt: First Impressions of a Chocolate Lover’s Spot

You know, walking through Notting Hill with its colorful houses is an experience in itself, but actually, finding Melt Chocolates feels like discovering a hidden gem. The storefront, you see, is pretty charming and fits right in with the neighborhood’s vibe. So, the moment you step inside, this absolutely wonderful aroma of rich, dark chocolate greets you. Honestly, it’s just a bit overwhelming in the best possible way. The shop itself is really clean and bright, with stacks of beautiful chocolate bars and confections lining the walls; I mean, it is a very pleasant sight. Actually, our group for the 2025 Bonbon Making experience was small, which sort of created a much more personal and friendly atmosphere from the start. You get the feeling, right away, that this isn’t just a class; you know, it’s more like an invitation into a specialist’s workspace. Apparently, the staff seemed genuinely happy to have us there, which of course makes a huge difference.

Getting Your Hands Messy: The Bonbon-Making Process

Basically, after a quick and warm welcome, we were led to the kitchen area. It’s almost a little smaller than you might expect, but very well-equipped. The head chocolatier, a woman with a real passion for her craft, started by explaining the soul of good chocolate: the tempering. She demonstrated the technique on a large marble slab, and honestly, watching the melted chocolate being swirled and folded was really therapeutic. Now, it was our turn. She handed us our own bowls of warm, melted chocolate, and I mean, the goal was to get it to the perfect working temperature. As a matter of fact, mine was a little too cool at first, which she pointed out with a smile and a helpful tip. You really feel like you’re learning a skill. We then, you know, filled our polycarbonate bonbon moulds, carefully pouring the chocolate in and then tipping it out to create the delicate shells. That part is more or less a bit nerve-wracking; you just hope you don’t break them.

From Shells to Fillings: The Creative Heart of the Class

With our chocolate shells chilling, next, we moved on to the fillings. I think this was probably my favorite part of the day. A selection of ingredients was laid out before us, things like fresh cream, fruit purees, and different extracts. We were making two types of fillings, actually: a classic dark chocolate ganache and a more adventurous one of our choosing. To be honest, I went for a white chocolate ganache with a swirl of passion fruit. You just kind of get to mix and taste as you go. The instructor was on hand, obviously, offering suggestions but never pushing a certain direction. It feels very creative. One of the other attendees was, for example, making a salted caramel filling that smelled absolutely incredible.

“Don’t be afraid to taste everything,” our chocolatier said. “Your palate will tell you when it’s right. That is pretty much the only rule here.”

At the end of the day, that simple advice made the whole process much less intimidating. We used piping bags to carefully fill each little chocolate shell, which you know, requires a steady hand but is incredibly satisfying. I mean, seeing your rows of bonbons filled up is a genuinely proud moment.

The Art of Sealing and Decorating Your Creations

Frankly, after the fillings had set a little, it was time to seal our bonbons. This involved pouring another layer of that perfectly tempered chocolate on top and then, you know, scraping away the excess with a big metal scraper. The sound is really sharp and clean, and in a way, it signifies the bonbons are nearly complete. After another trip to the refrigerator, then came the moment of truth: demoulding. Our instructor showed us how to give the mould a sharp, confident tap on the table. Like, one by one, our shiny, perfect-looking bonbons popped out. Well, mostly perfect; a few had little imperfections, but that just sort of made them feel more authentic. The final stage was decorating. We were given tiny paintbrushes and pots of edible, shimmering dusts and metallic cocoa butters. You could, basically, paint them, flick color onto them, or just leave them elegantly plain. This is where your personal style really comes out, you know. I gave mine a little splash of gold dust for a bit of sparkle.

Is This Chocolate Workshop for You? My Honest Recommendation

So, who is this bonbon making class really for? I mean, if you are a foodie or just someone looking for a unique, hands-on activity in London, you will absolutely love this. It’s a great idea for a date, a day out with a friend, or even a solo treat if you’re comfortable in small groups. Seriously, the feeling of accomplishment when you box up your own handmade bonbons is wonderful. On the other hand, if you are extremely impatient or don’t enjoy activities that require a bit of focus, this might not be your thing, you know. There’s a fair amount of waiting for things to cool and set. As for value, it’s not the cheapest activity in London, of course, but you do leave with a box of about 25 high-quality bonbons that you made yourself. The experience and the skills you pick up are pretty much the real prize. A quick tip: wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing for a good portion of the time. Also, maybe don’t wear your best white shirt, just in case. They do give you an apron, still, it’s chocolate after all.

Key Takeaways and Final Details

This class is a fantastic way to spend a few hours, honestly. You’re not just watching; you are completely involved from start to finish. The guidance from the chocolatiers is clear and supportive, which basically makes you feel capable even if you’re a total beginner. You leave not only with a box of beautiful sweets but also with a new appreciation for the artistry that goes into making fine chocolates. It’s more or less a perfect blend of learning, creating, and, of course, tasting.

• Hands-On Experience: You’re involved in every step, from tempering to decorating. It’s truly interactive.
• Expert Guidance: The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, providing help without taking over.
• Creative Freedom: You get to choose your own flavor for one of the fillings, which is a really nice personal touch.
• Great for Gifts: You leave with a beautifully packaged box of your own bonbons, which makes for a very special gift or a personal treat.
• Central Location: Being in Notting Hill, it’s easy to make a full day of it by exploring the area before or after your class.

Read our full review: Melt’s Bonbon Making Notting Hill Full Review and Details

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