Tried the recently opened Knoops chocolate cafe in Bristol

Bristol is no stranger to cafes and chocolate houses these days. To name just a few of my own favourites, Mrs Potts Chocolate House and Ruby Hue chocolate makers and cafe both call this lovely city home.

Both are independent brands that started life here in Bristol, amassing a growing fan base of loyal customers and, at least in the case of Mrs Potts, have expanded to open other locations in nearby towns Bath and Cardiff. These two names in the world of Bristol chocolate are a force to be reckoned with, so when I heard there was going to be a new kid in town I was extremely intrigued to see how they would stand out.

Little did we know that the ‘new kid’ was actually going to be Knoops, a chocolate cafe with around 20 (soon to be 22) locations across the UK, who have coined their own term for ‘the art of creating perfect chocolate drink” – Knoopology. Knoops, which you may have seen on your visits to Bath in recent years, was founded in 2013 in Rye, East Sussex by German-born Jens Knoop.

But while it may have been a concept that predates the likes of Mrs Potts and Ruby Hue in other parts of the country, how does it compare to these two much-loved Bristol names? I paid a visit on a sunny Tuesday evening in July to find out what Knoops is all about (because hot chocolate lovers can enjoy a cup of the stuff whatever the weather)…

Read more: Ruby Hue’s hot chocolate was delicious – and might just be our new favorite

Read more: The Ice Cream Hot Chocolate Festival returns to the Bristol Cafe

Firstly, Knoops Bristol, which is located on Queens Road (just off Clifton Triangle), is a very small place – and yet inside it feels quite spacious. There’s a Scandinavian vibe to the decor, with white walls and light wood, and plenty of fancy words to tell you what Knoops is all about.

There are two small tables in the wide window, with four small stools around each, where you can sit and watch the world go by (views of the museum and other historic landmarks from the top of Park Street make for a great view while you order There are also some higher chairs against a wall if you want a little more privacy.

Outside, Knoops had plenty of signage for its summer treats on display – from ice creams to iced chocolates of various strengths and flavors. And when I walked in the door, I was immediately greeted with a smile by the staff and greeted with a wide range of different strengths and flavors of chocolate artfully hung on the wall behind them.

We asked the team what they would recommend to someone who loves dark hot chocolate from other places but didn’t want something too strong on this occasion. The staff here knew so much about the Knoops process, hot chocolate, flavors and all aspects of the cafe and were quick to share their recommendations which – spoiler alert – were completely spot on.

We ordered two hot chocolates to try – the 65% Single Origin (Colombia), which is described as having “floral notes of citrus and vanilla” and was recommended to me by the staff, and the 80% Single Origin (Uganda) for an equal level. darker sample (described as “earthy with a subtle smoke”).

I opted for two regular sized hot chocolates with no extras added and they were priced at £6.15 and £6.45 respectively. We also ordered a 70% single origin chocolate brownie, priced at £3.65.

They arrived super fast, in little brown cardboard boxes and cups, even though we planned to sit down. From the looks of the customers at the table next to us, it seemed that takeout boxes and glasses were the norm for everyone.

The hot chocolates were piping hot (the 80% ended up hotter, but probably because it required less milk) and were smooth, chocolatey, frothy and exactly as described on the menu. The staff recommendation was exactly what I was looking for and it really left that delicious citrus aftertaste that was both warming and refreshing – neither drink was sickly at all.

The brownie was also delicious – rich, chocolaty and again not sickly or overly so. The portion size was perfect. My only complaint was that we were given a small wooden spoon to eat it with – although miraculously it did the job quite well.

Perusing the Knoops cafe, you’ll also find a delicious selection of pastries and other sweet treats – from thick croissants and pain au chocolat (£2.95 each) to almond croissants (£3.35) and cinnamon buns (£3.30) . They also had pastel de nata (£2.50), raspberry cheesecake brownie and carrot cake (£3.35 each) as well as blueberry or raspberry scones, lemon wedges, crispy nuts and honey and ‘super granola’ slices (all priced at £2.95).

I was particularly surprised to see and delighted by the glass cloches covering the cannoli on the counter – priced at £2.50 each. You can choose between chocolate, white chocolate, hazelnut or pistachio and each one looked incredible. And that’s all before we even touch on the homemade marshmallows and the vast selection of chocolate chips (and even a Smeg hot chocolate maker) you can buy to make some Knoops hot chocolate at home.

It’s also worth noting that apart from hot chocolate, you can also get a tea or coffee – and you can turn your chocolate drink into an iced chocolate, milkshake or even add a splash of coffee for a more mocha taste . They really thought of everything.

All in all, Knoops is definitely a well-oiled machine, with staff who know the brand and the Knoopology process, able to make great recommendations and, of course, provide service with a warm, welcoming smile.

When it comes to hot chocolate, Knoops is just as good as the likes of Mrs Potts and Ruby Hue, but they certainly offer more options. This can be a great thing for those who would love to try them all, but it could also be quite daunting for someone who just wants a hot chocolate (and that’s before you even think about any additional flavors or additional herbs, spices, or fruits you might want to add).

I’d say that being a small place and serving their food and drinks in takeaway boxes and glasses, it’s probably not the place you’d go on a cold, wet winter’s day if you wanted to sit somewhere cozy to warm up and watch the world go by (although it’s in the perfect place to people watch). But it’s ideal for anyone on the go to grab something delicious to take away – I wish I worked closer to this so I could make trying every flavor part of my daily commute.

Knoops, 33 Queens Road, Bristol, is open daily from 7am to 9pm.