Pick of the Day - Inspirational Chocolatier Paul A Young
When it comes to chocolate, we have to admit a certain level of weakness. When it comes to trying new flavours we are completely pulled in. And when it comes to unusual or inspiring flavour combinations then enough said - we are in chocolate heaven.
Last year on the Tottenham Court Road we stepped into Heal's and experienced the most amazing hot chocolate I think I have ever tasted, thanks to our 'Pick of the Day' today - Paul A Young.
"Paul Young is a groundbreaking and inspirational chocolatier who is at the forefront of the British chocolate scene. Paul’s passion for his craft and his cutting edge creativity have won him numerous awards and led to him being ranked amongst the world’s best chocolatiers."
Our first encounter with Paul was at Chocolate Unwrapped, in the London Film Museum in Covent Garden back in 2012. And since then we have watched his creations unfold and meet with unanimous approval from his many followers and fans.
Earlier this year, his collaboration with Nigel Boschetti, executive chef at Grosvenor House, Park Lane led to a chocolate inspired afternoon tea that certainly indulged the senses.
The past few years has seen a growing number of awards presented to Paul, in recognition of his achievements and success - and rightly so. If you have ever experienced his Sea Salted Caramel you will applaud the man on this single creation alone.
Just this week, in celebration of Afternoon Tea Week, Paul A Young at Heal's has launched a new Salted Caramel Cream Tea and at just £12.95 per person you can enjoy their 'Rare Tea Company' speciality tea, a freshly baked traditional brown sugar scone with clotted cream and Paul's award-winning Sea Salted Caramel spread, and world famous Sea Salted Caramel chocolate.
Aside from making incredible chocolate treats, on the odd occasion that we have been lucky enough to grab a few words with this popular chocolatier, Paul has always come across as a genuinely nice person; hard working, a tad quirky, with a great sense of style, and the ability to still appreciate some of the more conventional, mainstream 'chocolate' that is available.
Paul may be a world class chocolatier but he is most definitely grounded and not a chocolate snob, admitting to still finding a place for the odd Mars Bar, or KitKat. He is continuously at the forefront of creation when it comes to new chocolate combinations and as our 'Pick of the Day' we would like to thank Paul for all the wonderful new flavours he has brought our way - bar of course that marmite brownie! Sorry Paul, we are in the 'Hate It' camp on this one.
If you haven't yet indulged in a Paul A Young moment then check out his website at www.paulayoung.co.uk to find your nearest store.