Gelateria Danieli, an ice cream shop in Richmond, is selling what it claims is London's thickest hot chocolate, priced at £4.50 for a standard cup. The drink, made with 70% dark chocolate and steamed milk, has gone viral on social media after a content creator shared a video on Instagram.
Viral Instagram video highlights the indulgent drink
A London-based content creator posting under the name Digital Diary London shared a clip of the hot chocolate on Instagram, describing it as perfect for "chocolate lovers." The video shows the drink's thick, sauce-like consistency, which has drawn reactions from viewers who said it looks like what hot chocolate should be.
In the caption, the creator wrote: "Hot chocolate season is closer than you think. Your reminder to try London's thickest hot chocolate for only £4.50. Save if you're a chocolate lover!" The post has attracted numerous comments from people eager to try it.
What makes Gelateria Danieli's hot chocolate unique
According to the Gelateria Danieli website, their "famously thick Italian hot chocolate" is freshly ground in-house using their own Italian recipe, and is steamed with milk to order. The milk comes from the local Northiam Dairy, and because the chocolate is 70% dark, it can be made vegan-friendly by swapping to an alternative milk.
The cafe also sells 100g or 300g pouches of the hot chocolate powder for customers who want to make the drink at home. A signature hot chocolate costs £4.50 for a standard size and £7.50 for a large, with an option to add a marshmallow for an extra £1. The menu includes various flavours such as nutty, spiced, and salted caramel.
Italian hot chocolate tradition and customer reactions
Italian hot chocolate is an ultra-thick version of the drink, typically made by simmering milk, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a small amount of cornstarch. The result is a rich, indulgent treat that is less sweet than standard hot chocolates and more like chocolate sauce than a drink. Traditionally, it is served with crisp biscuits like biscotti for dipping, often topped with fresh whipped cream.
Commenters on the Instagram video were impressed, with one person saying: "This is what I always thought hot chocolate should be as a kid. Not the sad, majority milk thing. I would happily pay £5 for this!" Another added: "That's what I want when I ask for hot chocolate." A third wrote: "Now this is what I call hot chocolate and not watery chocolate milk."
Gelateria Danieli is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm on Fridays, and 10am to 8pm on weekends, offering customers a chance to try the viral drink in person.
