FAQ
What happens if I can't make it? – THE CANCELLATION POLICY
- Tour or tasting purchase is final. There are no refunds.
- Up to one week before the tour there will be a £50 fee to reschedule.
- Between 7 days and 48 hours before the tour you will be charged 50% of the full price of the tour.
- Within 48 hours of the start time there will be no refund available.
- You are always welcome to send other guests in your place.
Gift Certificates
- Can be found and purchased at chocolateecstasytours.com/gifts
- Are valid for a year from the date of purchase.
- Are redeemed by contacting us with a list of preferred dates.
Private Tours and Tastings
Private tours and private chocolate tastings can be booked by contacting us and providing the following details:
– Number of people
– Date or dates interested in
– Desired start time
– Type of tour you are interested in
For larger groups we may need to change the route or might suggest a private tasting.
More Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a chocolate tour? A delicious, expertly-guided and fun adventure through a beautiful neighbourhood, visiting the finest chocolate boutiques and sampling their specialities, learning about chocolate, about the area, and getting special discounts on chocolate treats purchased on the day.
The London Chocolate Tours have been described by some guests as 'a tour of London where you get to eat lots of incredible chocolate along the way'.
1a. What is a Mystery Chocolate Tasting? An online Zoom chat hosted by founder Jennifer Earle. Before the session chocolates are posted to you without any indication what's inside (except an allergy declaration!). During the Zoom call we'll taste together and reveal what amazing artisan creations you've been sent. Jen is fussy so they'll all be super high quality and a range of flavours and textures. Please contact us in advance for dietary considerations to see if we can accommodate!
2. Who goes on a chocolate / ice cream / sweet treats tour?
Anyone! As long as you enjoy food, you'll have a great time. There's fun history and a friendly guide - you will see the city in a way you wouldn't wandering on your own - plus get to try lots more and learn new things!
3. How long are the tours?
The Mayfair Chocolate Ecstasy Tour lasts approximately three hours.
The Chelsea Sweet Treats Adventure is approximately three and a half hours.
The Ice Cream Ecstasy Tour is approximately two and a half hours.
4. How many places do we visit?
This depends on the tour but you will visit at least four unique locations. Our goal (and promise!) is that if you accept everything you're offered to taste then you will be completely chocolate-ed (or ice-creamed or sweet-treated) out by the end of the tour! We can usually provide substitutes for allergies or strong dislikes if you let us know in advance.
We only want to take you to quality places and don't think good chocolate should be rushed.
5. How much walking is involved?
Never more than 1.5 miles (2km) on a public tour. All tours start by sitting down for at least 40 minutes. This is a luxurious tasting experience, not a hike. Though if you want a long walk around London we can definitely arrange it on a private tour – it’s a beautiful city for walking!
6. What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes. Clothing that is sensible for walking outside in the city. Please don't bring large bags with you - it'll just be annoying for you!
7. What should I bring?
Yourself, some money if you want to buy any chocolates to take home (or tip your guide!), the Chocolate Ecstasy Tour guide's contact number sent in your reminder (in case you get held up) and a love of adventure!
8. Do I need to bring my ticket or receipt with me?
No, but it's a good idea to.
9. Are the tours suitable for children?
The tours are aimed at adults but children can join in if they are accompanied by adults. The longest distance we walk between shops takes about fifteen minutes. Because the tours are small groups there is typically no discount for children.
Please do not bring children on the tour without booking a ticket for them. This includes children in prams. The tour groups are kept small because the locations we visit are small and prams don't fit comfortably along with the other guests. If a tour is underbooked this may not be a problem, please just reach out and ask.
10. Are there any additional costs?
We provide everything you should need for a comfortable and fun few hours and enough treats to have you full by the end of the tour without purchasing more (though we can't guarantee you won't want more the next day!).
A travel card is advised to get to the meeting point and away because the routes start and finish in different places, but we do not take public transport during the standard tours.
You may want to take advantage of the discounts arranged just for members of the tour so you can keep enjoying your favourites in the days to come, or give gifts to friends.
Gratuities to your guide are optional and, of course, always appreciated.
11. What happens if it rains/snows/is really hot?
The tours will run whatever the weather (national disasters pending!). England is gorgeous at every time of year! If it's hot we can usually substitute the hot chocolate for an iced chocolate drink or chocolate ice cream. Even the ice cream tour is fun in the snow - the shops are cosy inside and often quieter than in the summer! We do suggest you bring appropriate clothes for the weather, and an umbrella if you think it will rain.
13. What stores will we visit?
Top quality chocolate stores in the area the tour is in, ranging from traditional English, to more modern and some European ones. There are some examples of itineraries on blogs and newspapers you might encounter but the shops we visit are subject to change. We also like it to be a surprise where possible! Please be assured we are constantly reviewing the tours in order to offer the best experience possible. We like to have variety, excellent products and excellent service on each tour, including some places even locals might not yet have been! Sometimes we will visit a shop that isn’t specifically a chocolate shop but does offer an outstanding product we think you should sample.
14. Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes! Please go to chocolateecstasytours.com/gifts
15. Do you do other tours or events?
Absolutely! Please see our page on Workshops & Tastings!
If you have a suggestion for an event or tour you're interested in, or another enquiry, please get in touch via email, phone, Twitter or Facebook.
16. Is the tour suitable for people in wheelchairs/with difficulty walking?
We recommend if you have challenges with walking or standing for long periods or are only able to walk slowly then you book a private tour for maximum enjoyment. Our guides and shops are very accommodating and will be able to offer the most support with notice and for a private tour.
Unfortunately we regret that wheelchair access is impossible on most of our routes.
Please contact us if you have specific questions or would like to discuss.
17. Is the tour suitable for people with allergies/intolerances?
We cannot guarantee the absence of allergens and all guests participate at their own risk.
Please let us know in advance if you have allergies/intolerances or specific dislikes or diets. With advance notice we can sometimes provide substitutes where relevant for gluten and lactose intolerances and for people who avoid alcohol. All shops do stock nut-products and cannot guarantee any nut-free products.
18. I didn't receive a ticket, what happened?
You will not receive a physical ticket in the mail. Please check your junk mail if you can't locate the email confirmation.
19. Can I bring my pet on the tour?
Generally the answer is no, but please get in touch to confirm as it might be possible on some tours. We personally love animals, but even well behaved pets are not allowed in all the locations we visit and may cause distress to other guests.
We hope we covered your question! If not, please click here to request further information.