Connor Friesen of Co&Co Chocolates talks about the art of making chocolate, the differences between alchemy and storytelling, and his current inspiration - the Hindenberg.
As one of the city's new generation of food entrepreneurs, Connor Friesen is enthusiastic about London – its passion for food, the diversity of its producers, and its thriving market culture. A self-taught chocolatier with a stall at Maltby Market, his passion for chocolate started three years ago prompted by the need to create an inspirational yet personalised thank you gift. A box of marc du champagne truffles, a residency at food incubator Kitchenette, and a desire to learn the secrets of chocolate, have resulted in a journey as much a kin to storytelling as a gastronomic one. From that grand dame of food halls to the design frenzy of Soho with its glitzy clothing district, dayGlo bars and strip clubs, you’ll discover in this labyrinthine of streets London’s very essence as a city. Begin your walk at Green Park, home to the London Ritz and all things Royal. Experience the airs and graces of St James, the dapper attire of Jermyn Street as well as 200 years’ worth of traditions at Paxton and Whitfield, cheesemonger. Pop into Fortnum and Mason, supermarket to the Queen, as you’re sure to find something quintessentially English in which replenish your larder. With your royal seal of approval, the irreverence of Soho awaits beginning with Dover Street Market. This fashion incubator has been playing with the edges of fashion since opening in 2004. Upstairs on the 5th floor is Rose Bakery and Labour and Wait, showing that good design extends to the simplest of home wares and ingredients. (If you want to merger your fashion with your royalty, then continue to the Royal Arcade to Charbonnel et Walker, the favourite chocolatier of the late Queen Mother, whom was said to be partial to a violet cream. To get there, pass by (Sir) Paul Smith, an icon of British fashion for his contemporary interpretation of English tailoring. |
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February 2017
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