There is a new, exciting addition to Church Road – and it is a dangerous one.
Award-winning Radek’s Chocolate opened along the busy road in East Bristol last weekend. Famed for its brownies and handmade vegan chocolate, Radek’s is a well-known brand among Bristolians; having been around since 2008, when it started serving at festivals.
However, there was no need to be in festival season to enjoy their goodies and stores such as Southville Deli – also on Church Road – sell their chocolate, which is where I had bought it from in the past.
I have to admit this latest opening took me by surprise, only hearing about it through a rather excited mum friend in the St George’s Park playground; this is exciting news among all the gentrifying, yummy mummies of East Bristol.
Already well-catered for by Loaf and Rubino Lounge, and also briefly by Crafty Egg, Radek’s offering is different and unique – but will totally pose serious competition in my opinion.
I can’t imagine I will be the only one who may, from now on, treat herself to a hot chocolate before a trip to the park.
The shop is well stocked -Credit:BristolLive
So, yes, I was looking forward to checking out the chocolate shop on my lunchbreak mid-week; what a treat this would be, I was already sure. I went for the 52% Pa Lo Chilli Spice hot chocolate (£4); a Thai spice mix infused with lime leaf.
A big fan of chilli chocolate, my expectations were set high here but I was not disappointed. Served with oat milk as standard, this was a silky and smooth hot chocolate, with a definite kick and spicy note.
It left a lovely aftertaste in my mouth and I can easily say this is the best hot chocolate I have had in some time. It was to die for.
52% Pa Lo Chilli Spice hot chocolate -Credit:BristolLive
I also got one of its popular CBD brownies, which were terribly yummy and chocolatey, as they should be. I enjoyed the thick, chocolate crust while the nuts were also a good addition.
For review purposes, of course, I also got some delicious truffles to enjoy later (also very rich) and the make-at-home rose and raspberry hot chocolate (68% cacao).
I tried making this at home, preparing it on the hob as recommended. While this was certainly a good hot chocolate, and not excessively sweet, the store-bought one was definitely more memorable. It had a strong rose taste, but sadly couldn’t get the raspberry.
The truffles on sale at the shop -Credit:BristolLive
The iconic Mrs Potts, on Park Street, has been my go-to for hot chocolate since I moved to Bristol. However, I fear this may have changed this week.
I am in doubt my hot chocolate consumption is about to go up quite significantly – and yours should too.
Radek’s Chocolate is on 186 Church Road, BS5 9HX.