La Maison du Chocolat – 45-46 Piccadilly

La Maison du Chocolat has both its fans and critics. Unfortunately I fall in to the latter category.

Location
Their London store is situated at 45-46, Piccadilly and thus is very central as its only an 11 minute walk down Regent street from my centre of London which is Oxford Circus. In fact its only 5 minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus tube station and 3 minutes from Green Park tube station.

Score: 10/10

Appearance
From the outside I was expecting a fair amount. The solidity of the building imparted a perception that the contents of the shop would be as robust and confident. The shop windows, however, weren’t all that inspiring and left a lot to be desired.

Score: 6/10

The Walk In

When I stepped foot in the shop the staff outnumbered the customers two to one (there were two staff and one customer!) As each were wearing a black uniform, it reminded me of a very prim and proper shop with no soul. Also, the space was vast but filled with very little. It just felt like a jewellery shop with a couple of pieces to review.

Score: 4/10

Selection
I wasn’t overly impressed with what was offer although there were boxed assortments, truffles and chocolate tablets.

I circled the store waiting for something to jump out and intrigue me. There just wasn’t anything there that I thought that I just had to buy although I forced myself to buy something, coming out with a milk and a dark chocolate tablet, and that was it. I know my review is negative so I’ll give them another try next time I’m in.

Score: 5/10

Staff
The two staff that I saw first reminded me of Betty Slocombe from ‘Are You Being Served’ – leaving me with the thought that I was going to come out of the shop with a large pair of bloomers.

When, who appeared to be the manager entered the scene, I was watched like a hawk and felt intimidated to buy something. Only after I got to the till and I was actually buying something did a proper conversion start about the range of tablets they had on offer – probably to get me to spend more rather than to educate me on their range which was disappointing.

There was no warmth or ‘connection’ and I left feeling like I’ve just been to the dentist.

Score: 4/10

Prices
The prices were steep at £6 for 75g. I’m yet to review the bars that I’m bought so I’ll reserve full judgement, but they did appear to be tourist prices.

Taste Test
n/a

What Would I give Up To Have Some More?
n/a. I’m yet to review the Talamanca Milk Chocolate 37% and Akosombo 68% Dark Chocolate bars I bought.

Can you Buy Online?
Yes here.