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Top 5 Hot Chocolate Spots to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day

31 Jan 2025

Hot Chocolate

 

To celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day and hot chocolate in general we’ve picked out our top 5 favourite spots across the South West that you can get to by bus.

 

From specialist chocolate houses to cute independents the region is brimming with warm, chocolatey stops just waiting for you to discover.

 

Using the Stagecoach app to purchase your digital ticket before you travel, with frequent timetables and easy access, Stagecoach’s reliable bus network can take you straight to some of the most mouthwatering hot chocolate spots.  Keep reading for our current favourites.

 

  1. Chococo, Gandy Street, Exeter 
    This charming and welcoming independent on Gandy Street specialises in all things chocolate serving up their award-winning ranges and origin hot chocolates, all made with pure, single origin chocolate ranging from sweet milk to award winning dark chocolate deliciously smooth drinks. Visitors access Exeter City Centre with Stagecoach's extensive bus network or jump on the K or H city centre service bus to bus stop 8 in the high street, with just a 2-minute walk to Chococo. Plan your journey to Exeter and fully indulge in every decadent sip without stressing about the road ahead.
  2. Angels Tea Rooms, Babbacombe, Torquay

    Hop off the 22 service and take in the scenic sea views on your 4-minute walk to Angels Team Rooms where you can sit back and relax whilst enjoying a steaming cup of decadent dark chocolate melted in milk or a spicier Dark Chilli Chocolate melted in hot milk. Alternatively, our bus 35A to stand 2 will take you a two-minute walk away to your chocolate treat at Coopers Coffee House. You can plan your journey to Torbay here.

  3. The Flower Café, Plymouth

    This friendly family-owned café can be found in the heart of the Plymouth Barbican, hop on the route 1 bus bus and hop off at stop A20 and enjoy a indulgent cream and marshmallow topped hot chocolate. The Flower Café is just a minute walk away. Plan your journey here.

  4. Charlies Café, Barnstaple

    Local favourite and family run Charlie’s Café serve up a selection of delicious hot chocolate for all the family. Plus, their homemade cakes are irresistible. Hot Chocolate and homemade cake is the perfect combination if you ask us.  And just under 10 minutes from the bus station too.

  5. The Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, Ilfracombe
    The final stop on our list may not serve hot chocolate but needs a mention or an honourable one if you will. Visitors who travel by service number 301 to bus stop B or  route 21 can find a chocolate museum, the finest handmade chocolate, workshops including an ancient Aztec drinking chocolate history experience. Plan your journey to the Chocolate emporium.

So, all that’s left to do is grab your reusable mug, your warmest scarf, and enjoy National Hot Chocolate Day by bus.

 

Top tips for your catching the bus to explore the south west’s best hot chocolate venues

  • Plan ahead: use the Stagecoach app to check timetables and real-time bus tracking.
  • Bring a book: many routes in the South West offer breathtaking views, but a good book can make longer journeys even cosier.
  • Check café hours: some spots may close earlier in winter, so make sure your bus timing aligns with their opening hours.
  • Layer up: many hot chocolate spots are near beautiful walks, so dress for the weather in case you feel like exploring before your bus ride home.