Not a rant, not a rave, just a Errrgh for our local Velvetiser cafe in Richmond.

The velvetiser advert on TV from Hotel Chocolat got me all excited so popped in to store on Black Friday to see what’s up. I’d bought the Options Belgium chocolate hot chocolate and nobody was impressed so I’ve been challenged with finding something better.

It’s 12.30pm, middle of the day and I decide to pop into Hotel Chocolat where I’ve been a few times before and always had no complaints except being unable to get a table except this time apart from a couple of random shoppers browsing the wall of chocolate it was completely empty.

I have to say I was shocked considering how many times I’ve seen the ad and how much we all love chocolate, especially at this time of year.

I asked about buying the chocolate to make the velvetiser drinks at home but alas, it’s a proprietary experience. The velvetiser drink can only be made with the velvetiser machine. (At the time it wasn’t communicated about the at home experience, I thought she was referring to the machine used in store) I was told you can add milk to their chocolate and make it on the stove but nothing quick “like Cabury’s” the lady said with chagrin.

Of course I thought if they haven’t got it, they haven’t got it but the way she delivered the news made me think, i

“I am not surprised you’re empty”. I wanted to have an imaginary Ally McBeal moment and say “do I look like a Cabury’s drinking chocolate customer to you?” Whilst waving my twenty quid in her face.

Maybe Hotel Chocolat have missed a trick here. I don’t mean about being a bit more helpful and warm to potential customers when you are dead.

After you’ve had the Velvetiser experience in store I am sure loads of people would love a more luxurious than “Cabury’s” drinking chocolate hot chocolate experience at home. I walked in with two £10 notes expecting to pay over the odds. The reason I was in Hotel Chocolat in the first place, I didn’t want Cabury’s.

I walked out without said drinking chocolate. So if anyone can suggest an alternative to Options, where price is not really a consideration, it’s a treat, I am all ears. Ease of making, preferably just add hot water is key.

I didn’t realise until I got home I can purchase the all new velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat to make the drink at home barista style for £119.95. Which is the member price and a £30.00 discount. GULP!

So the long and short of it Hot Chocolate at home velvetiser style is possible at Hotel Chocolat for a price. When I said price is no problem I wasn’t thinking about £150 no problem but hey, one to think about.