The Edinburgh cafe that serves up 'Scotland's best hot chocolate' - see the full list

Alexander Smail

21 November 2024 at 10:40 am·3-min read

-Credit: (Image: The Marshmallow Lady FB)

Scotland's "best hot chocolate" spot has been crowned in a new guide.

With the mercury dropping in recent days, people across the country are looking for ways to warm up. As we approach the festive season, there has never been a better time to indulge in a large mug of hot chocolate.

On Thursday, VisitScotland published a list of the "nine best hot chocolate spots in Scotland". According to the tourist board, The Marshmallow Lady in Edinburgh comes in at number one.

Situated at 14 Rodney Street in the Canonmills area of the city, The Marshmallow Lady is a shop that specialises in marshmallows served in a variety of ways. Visitors can enjoy toasted giant marshmallows, marshmallow milkshakes, homemade soft drinks, and more.

The Marshmallow Lady was praised by VisitScotland for its "refreshing twist" on hot chocolate, with visitors able to customise the hot drink with additions such as rum and nutmeg. The shop uses chocolate flakes from local family-run chocolatier Edward & Irwyn.

VisitScotland wrote: "For a refreshing twist on the traditional hot chocolate, look no further than The Marshmallow Lady. Situated on Rodney Street, close to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, it’s a perfect stop to grab a warming hot chocolate drink if you’re planning to visit the gardens, or attending the Christmas Lights at the Botanics this season.

"The marshmallow topping is a signature offering of the shop. All hand-made to perfection, you can customise your drink for that ultimate chocolatey experience.

"From pink toasted strawberry mallows to rum and nutmeg, the options are almost endless!"

Elsewhere, the second best place for hot chocolate in the country according to VisitScotland is Ocho in Glasgow. Located on Speirs Wharf just a short walk from the city centre, Ocho is a brunch, lunch, and cocktail venue that serves up a seasonal food menu.

Among the eatery's specialities is its torched meringue hot chocolate, while customers can also enjoy other toppings such as chocolate shavings and edible gold dust. VisitScotland singled out Ocho's "decadent ingredients" and "friendly and inviting vibe".

Meanwhile, coming in at number three is the Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully near Pitlochry. Describing the chocolatier as serving up the "ultimate hot chocolate experience", the tourist board praised its intense flavour and high cocoa content.

The Marshmallow Lady hot chocolate — Visitors to The Marshmallow Lady can fully customise their hot chocolate -Credit:The Marshmallow Lady

Rounding out the top five on VisitScotland's list are the Dune Bakery in South Queensferry and BioCafe in Aberdeen. The former received praise for its "rich and creamy" offering, while BioCafe was applauded for its healthy and eco-conscious approach.

The full list of the nine "best hot chocolate spots in Scotland" can be found on the VisitScotland website.

The five best hot chocolate spots in Scotland

The Marshmallow Lady, Edinburgh
Ocho, Glasgow
Highland Chocolatier, Grandtully near Pitlochry
Dune Bakery, South Queensferry
BioCafe, Aberdeen

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The five best hot chocolate spots in Scotland

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