Kokova Magazine

Heal's - the home of modern, designer and contemporary furniture, lighting and homewares since 1810... and now home to paul.a.young's fourth shop.

Somewhere that you can sit and watch the world go by whilst indulging - nay deservedly enjoying - a mug of 'real' hot chocolate, whilst eating a decadent Marmite brownie.

Oooh, did we say Marmite brownie? You'll either love it or you'll hate it!

We are not all lovers of the brown stuff but Paul Young has managed to incorporate the Marmite to such an extent that we didn't actually find it as horrifying as expected. On the other hand, our Marmite lover nearly choked on the taste and declared it a crime against chocolate, or Marmite, or both!

Luckily for those who don't like Marmite there is a broad selection of more agreeable flavours but we would urge you to at least try the brownie because you may be pleasantly surprised.

It would seem that Paul has managed to breathe fresh life into the 'love it or hate it' campaign associated with Marmite and it has had some surprising results. Just because you love Marmite it doesn't follow that you will love the brownie, and quite the reverse for all you 'haters' - don't judge it until you have tried it!

The new shop is ideally placed, situated directly in the entrance to Heal's on Tottenham Court Road. Outside seating is lined up for the summer months but for now the tables are just outside the shop, yet remaining in the open foyer of Heal's.

If Marmite leaves you a little shook up then the selection of other flavours on offer will certainly tempt you in. The Sea Salted Caramel Layered Cake is a best seller, go rich with the Billionaire's Shortbread or keep it small and powerful with the new Brownie Bites - a quarter of the classic brownie dipped in dark chocolate.

"Paul Young is a ground-breaking 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."

Paul and his team make all their creations completely by hand in the kitchens at each shop, in small batches and at every stage using fresh ingredients. Compounds, concentrates, essences, preservatives and additives are not used.

So allow yourself some time amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season to simply sit and relax and enjoy the creative talents at paul.a.young.

And if you really, really have to go - aside form the lovely china used in service, the hot chocolate also comes in a take-away cup.

For more information on this and other stores please visit www.paulayoung.co.uk
Facebook PaulAYoungFineChocolates
Twiiter @paul_a_young