Hot Chocolate Festival 2026
From January 17-February 14, the Hot Chocolate Festival returns for its 16th season, bringing more locations and chocolate artisans than ever before.
This year marks an exciting milestone for the West End, with three participating locations in our neighbourhood: Bella Gelateria, Sweet 7, and Peaked Pies. Each West End stop is showcasing a distinct hot chocolate creation, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of our local businesses. See below for details:
Sweet7
1696 Robson Street
Toasty Caramel Oolong Hot Chocolate
Sweet7’s Toasty Caramel Oolong Hot Chocolate blends rich hot chocolate with fragrant roasted Oolong (Da Hong Pao) tea and caramel cookie butter. It’s finished with a burnt marshmallow and a premium chocolate caramel cookie from La Lula Pastries for extra texture and aroma, making it a cozy, layered treat.
Cheesy Ube Boba Hot Chocolate
The Cheesy Ube Boba Hot Chocolate from Sweet7 combines rich hot chocolate with chewy brown sugar pearls and the brand’s signature ube cheese foam — smooth, sweet, and slightly savoury. This vibrant purple creation is served with a premium ube butter cookie from La Lula Pastries for the perfect sweet finish.
Bella Gelateria
1752 Davie Street
The IGP Emerald
Bella Gelateria’s The IGP Emerald combines silky Callebaut white chocolate with roasted Sicili D.O.P. pistachios for a rich, nut-forward base, brightened by a tangy hint of raspberry to balance the sweetness. The drink is paired with a house-made raspberry sorbetto served on a mini tart, creating a sophisticated and layered tasting experience.
The Piedmont Promise
In The Piedmont Promise, Bella Gelateria uses velvety premium milk chocolate from Cluizel of Paris blended with roasted IGP hazelnuts for a grounded, richly nutty flavour. This hot chocolate is served alongside a house-made raspberry sorbetto on a mini tart, offering a harmonious contrast that highlights both the chocolate and fruit notes.
Peaked Pies
975 Denman Street
The Best Birthdays Have Fairy Bread
Peaked Pies’ The Best Birthdays Have Fairy Bread is a playful take on birthday-cake vibes in a cup — a velvety vanilla bean white hot chocolate with frosted edges, cream, and rainbow sprinkles. It’s paired with classic fairy bread (soft white bread with butter and sprinkles), evoking nostalgic Aussie celebrations with every sip and bite.
A Sticky Situation
In A Sticky Situation, Peaked Pies blends rich hot chocolate with buttery caramel and dates, inspired by sticky date pudding. This creamy creation is served alongside a slice of sticky date pudding with warm caramel sauce, offering a comforting, indulgent pairing that feels like dessert in a mug.
