Chocolate Apothecary
The Chocolate Apothecary is located on the Esplanade in Ryde just opposite the pier and can dispense all of your chocolate needs.
The shop was named in honour of the historic Nicolson’s chemist premises in which it resides. Amazingly all of the original apothecary drawers and cabinetry still exist from the chemist, or apothecary as they used to be called, but now they are full of exquisite hand made chocolates.
This elegant shop has a warm Edwardian feel with period pendant lighting and beautiful mahogany tables which display coffee beans from around the world under the glass tops.
The lighting is from Wales, the reception desk from Scotland, the chairs from Warwickshire and the tables are from London with an interesting story to all the furnishings in the place. Everything is within keeping, down to the Edwardian bell press outside the shop and the Victorian bell on the inside front door,which rings when one opens the door.
The delicious chocolates are all hand made on the premises along with the cakes, Florentines, brownies, biscotti and all sorts of lovely delicacies.
The popular range of coffees on offer includes cappuccino, latte, espresso, Americano (not because the owner is American) using a carefully sourced Organic and Fairtrade Coffee Bean and a myriad of Organic Herbal Remedy Teas. The Chocolate Apothecary even stocks teas for sore throats, stomach aches and sleep disorders! One mustn’t leave, however, without trying their hot drinking chocolate made from real chocolate and local milk. It's an experience in itself.
Master Chocolatier Sue Van Praagh and Pastry Chef Claire Kay between them produce the confectionery and cakes, and all the staff are close family and friends. It's a wonderful place to visit with good quality chocolates, cakes, teas and coffees. They've clearly strived to create a warm friendly atmosphere and we think they may have achieved it.
