Godiva

Godiva is a Belgian chocolatier with a boutique inside the Market Building, the covered market at the heart of the Covent Garden piazza. It is one of three Godiva stores in London, alongside counters in Harrods and Selfridges, and the brand holds a Belgian Warrant Holder designation. The company presents the Covent Garden shop as a stop no visit to the market should miss, and it is the place to find the full gifting range in person.

The shelves carry the assorted chocolate boxes, the Gold Collection and Gold Ballotin, pralines, truffles, carrés, napolitains and Madlen chocolates, chocolate tablets and snack bars, hampers, and Godiva coffee and biscuits. The range spans milk, dark, fruit and nut and flavoured chocolates, with halal and kosher selections noted by the brand. The Covent Garden store is also a stockist of Godiva's chocolate-dipped strawberries, which are positioned as a treat for birthdays and anniversaries, and personalised chocolate gift boxes are offered for occasions that call for a name on the lid.

Belgian chocolate shop in Covent Garden

As a Belgian chocolate shop in Covent Garden, Godiva trades on polish and presentation as much as on the chocolate itself, which suits the market setting. The brand backs this up with a story: it invites customers to meet its chefs, explains how the chocolate is made, and runs the Lady Godiva Initiative and a published sustainability programme, so there is substance behind the gold boxes.

What to expect on a visit

Expect an upscale counter surrounded by the constant activity of the market halls, with staff used to helping with chocolate gifts to take home or post. Opening hours are 11am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday and midday to 6pm on Sunday. British rival Hotel Chocolat is a short walk away on Monmouth Street, and the directory lists the other dessert shops in Covent Garden.