The Story of The Chocolate Tree
Standing at 123 Bruntsfield Place amid the leafy avenues of South Edinburgh, The Chocolate Tree is Scotland’s pioneering bean-to-bar organic chocolate atelier. Founded in 2009 by Alastair and Friederike Gower, this independent master chocolatier operates on an uncompromising mission: to craft chocolate from scratch using exclusively organic, agroforestry-cultivated cacao beans purchased directly from indigenous farming cooperatives in Central and South America.
Stepping inside the cosy Bruntsfield boutique, the rich, intoxicating aroma of roasting cacao beans and molten chocolate fills the air. Glass vitrines display an artisanal array of single-origin chocolate bars, hand-rolled fruit and herbal truffles, rich chocolate spreads, and traditional Scottish confections elevated with stone-ground nibs and Isle of Skye sea salt.
The boutique also features a celebrated hot chocolate bar, where patrons choose from varying percentages of single-origin melted chocolate whisked with steaming whole milk or oat milk. For conscious travelers seeking an authentic, ethically crafted Scottish delicacy, The Chocolate Tree represents confectionery perfection.
Signature Specialties & Crafts
Key Venue Highlights
Scotland’s leading authentic bean-to-bar organic craft chocolatier
Ethically sourced heirloom cacao directly traded with heritage farmers in South America
Rich Spanish-style hot chocolate and handcrafted organic confectionery bars
“Sample the award-winning Scottish Raspberry & Dark Chocolate bar—made by stone-grinding organic cacao in their East Lothian workshop.”
Tax-Free & Overseas Shopping Advice
Direct postal dispatch available for gift boxes.
Direct overseas export zero-rates UK 20% VAT on qualifying purchases dispatched to non-UK residential addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bean-to-bar" chocolate actually mean?
Bean-to-bar means the chocolatiers sort, roast, crack, winnow, grind, and temper raw organic cacao beans in-house, rather than melting factory-made chocolate.
Do you offer dairy-free and vegan chocolate options?
Yes, the majority of their high-percentage single-origin dark chocolate bars and hot chocolates are naturally dairy-free and certified vegan.
Can chocolate bars survive warm travel or international flights?
Staff provide foil-insulated thermal protective bags that safeguard artisanal chocolate from melting during travel.
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