Melt’s Amazing Bonbons making in Notting Hill

If you’re wandering through London’s charming streets of Notting Hill and come across Melt Chocolates, you might be tempted by their Bonbons Making Class. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on the feedback and details available, it’s a sweet experience worth considering—especially if you’re into chocolate or looking for a fun, interactive activity.

What catches our eye first is how this class emphasizes creating personalized chocolates in a relaxed, small-group setting, capped at just 10 people. The intimate vibe means you’ll get more attention from the trained chocolatier leading the session, which often makes for a more memorable experience. Plus, the focus on nostalgic flavors and childhood memories brings a charming twist that sets this apart from standard chocolate-making workshops.

However, some reviews suggest that the experience might not meet everyone’s expectations, particularly if you’re hoping for a full hands-on bonbon crafting adventure. The pre-made shells and limited melting equipment could be a turn-off for those expecting a more comprehensive, craft-intensive session. So, it’s worth considering whether you’re looking for a simple taste of chocolate artistry or a truly hands-on creation.

This experience likely suits chocolate lovers, curious travelers, or those seeking a light, creative activity during their London trip. If you’re after a fun, culturally engaging treat with a gentle focus on childhood nostalgia, Melt’s Bonbons Class could be a delightful choice. Just keep in mind that for a more involved chocolate craft, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 people, which offers more personalized attention.
• Focus on Nostalgia: Uses chocolate to evoke childhood memories through sensory flavors.
• Pre-made Shells: The class involves filling bonbon shells rather than making shells from scratch, which could affect the hands-on feel.
• Price vs. Value: At around $75, you get a fun experience and some chocolates to take home, but it may not be as craft-heavy as some expect.
• Location & Convenience: Situated in Notting Hill, close to public transportation, making it easy to reach.
• Customer Feedback: Mixed reviews—some find it delightful and fun, while others consider it quite basic.

What to Expect from the Experience

Location and Meeting Point

The class begins at 59 Ledbury Rd in Notting Hill, a neighborhood famous for its boutique shops and charming streets. The meeting point is convenient for those staying nearby or exploring the area, especially since it’s near public transportation options. The activity ends back at the same spot, so there’s no need to worry about additional travel once you’ve finished your session.

The Atmosphere and Group Size

With just up to 10 participants, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and personable. This size allows your chocolatier to give meaningful guidance and answer questions, making it a comfortable setting whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with chocolate.

The Itinerary

The class runs for approximately 2 hours, during which you’ll learn about different chocolates, sample a variety of flavors, and most importantly, create your own customized bonbons. The focus is on using sensory flavors and scents to evoke nostalgic childhood memories—think of the scent of clementines or pine, or the warmth of a campfire.

The Making Process

While the description highlights the idea of playing with molten, flaked, or tempered chocolate, reviews suggest that much of the process is simplified. For instance, the shells are often pre-made, with participants filling them and adding flavors. This might be disappointing if you’re looking for a more involved, hands-on experience of melting and shaping chocolate from scratch.

Learning and Tasting

Your host will share insider tips and tricks about chocolate, giving you a deeper understanding of what makes good chocolates and how to work with them. There’s also plenty of tasting involved, allowing you to compare different chocolates and find your favorite flavor combinations.

Creating Your Bonbons

The highlight is designing and assembling your own box of chocolates to take home. This personalized aspect makes the experience more special, especially if you enjoy experimenting with flavors or want a unique souvenir of your trip.

Value for Money

At around $75 per person, the class is priced in line with similar artisan experiences in London. While some reviews paint it as a basic session, others find it delightful and worth the price. Keep in mind that the chocolates you take home are handmade, and the intimate setting adds to the overall value.

The Reality of Customer Feedback

One review calls it a “super basic” experience, criticizing the use of pre-made shells and limited hands-on activities. The reviewer felt it was more about filling bonbon shells and tasting chocolate than actual crafting. This points to a potential disappointment for those expecting a more detailed, craft-oriented session.

On the other hand, another guest describes it as “so much fun,” praising the friendliness of the staff and the delicious chocolates. They appreciated the relaxed vibe and the chance to learn about chocolate, making it a memorable part of their London visit.

Another reviewer emphasizes how the experience evokes childhood memories, with the sensory flavor approach resonating deeply. This highlights the emotional connection that the class can foster, which many travelers find charming and meaningful.

The Overall Experience: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intimate group size enhances learning and interaction.
• Focus on sensory flavors creates a nostalgic, multi-sensory experience.
• Location in Notting Hill offers a charming, accessible setting.
• Personalized chocolates to take home make the experience feel special.

Cons

• Limited hands-on crafting—most shells are pre-made, which might feel like a missed opportunity for some.
• Basic setup compared to more involved chocolate workshops.
• Customers looking for a full chocolate-making experience might find it somewhat superficial.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone wanting a light yet engaging activity, this class could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for those interested in childhood memories or sensory experiences, rather than full-on chocolate craftsmanship. Keep in mind that if you’re after a comprehensive, hands-on chocolate making session from scratch, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

Melt’s Bonbons Making class in Notting Hill offers a cozy, approachable way to indulge your sweet tooth and explore your childhood through flavors. Its small-group setting ensures a friendly atmosphere, and the focus on sensory flavors adds a unique twist. While it’s not the most intense or craft-heavy chocolate workshop, the chance to create your own chocolates and enjoy a relaxed experience makes it worth considering—especially if you’re in London for a short visit or want a different kind of souvenir.

For those who appreciate a mix of fun, flavors, and nostalgia, this experience can be a highlight. Just temper expectations if you’re looking for a full chocolate craft session, but be prepared to leave with a box of personalized chocolates and some happy memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is more adult-oriented, the nostalgic, sensory focus can appeal to older children or teenagers who enjoy tasting and experimenting with flavors. It’s best suited for those old enough to participate in the filling and flavoring process comfortably.

How long does the class last?
The session takes approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to learn about chocolate, taste samples, and create your own bonbons.

Do I get to make the shells from scratch?
Not quite—most of the shells are pre-made, and the focus is on filling and flavoring them, rather than handcrafting the shells.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll receive guidance from a trained chocolatier, tastings, and your own box of handmade bonbons to take home.

Is this experience good value?
It depends on what you’re after. If you enjoy a cozy, sensory experience with some chocolates to take away, it’s reasonably priced. However, if you’re expecting a more craft-intensive class, you might find it somewhat basic.

Is the location easy to reach?
Yes, it’s in Notting Hill, a popular neighborhood well-served by public transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less than that, and you may not get your money back.

In summary, Melt’s Bonbons Making in Notting Hill is a charming, relaxed activity that combines nostalgia with sweet treats. It’s best suited for those who want a taste of London’s creative side without a full-fledged chocolate workshop. Whether you walk away with new knowledge or just a box of delicious chocolates, it’s an experience that can add a little extra sparkle to your trip.