The Ultimate Chocolate-Lover’s Guide with Annalisa Barbieri

About the event

Join us for a unique tasting with Annalisa Barbieri, the Observer’s Chocolate Correspondent, and Spencer Hyman, as they guide us through the fascinating world of craft chocolate. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already a devoted chocolate enthusiast, this tasting will help you find your own ‘taste’ and uncover new favourites.

Annalisa will introduce some of the best chocolates to start with, sharing stories behind the makers and highlighting a few of her personal favourites from the craft chocolate world. Alongside Spencer, she’ll also explore the process of trying, comparing, and discovering chocolate, from first impressions to developing a more refined palate. You’ll also have the chance to ask Annalisa about her experiences as a Chocolate Correspondent and her insider’s view of the industry.

The talk will run from 13:30-14:15 on Saturday 11th October, 2025 at the Fidelio Cafe, Farringdon and this ticket also includes free entry to the Craft Chocolate Fair after the talk, from 14:15.

Important info:

• Tickets are non-refundable. If you purchase tickets but cannot make the event, please contact us and we’ll see what we can do.
• Please arrive five minutes before the event is due to start. Do not enter the Fair before your tasting – your ticket includes entry to the Fair at the end of the event.
• The tasting will run for approximately 45 minutes.
• If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know. We will do our best to provide alternatives where possible. Please note, we may not be able to cater for severe allergies, as many events will be taking place throughout the day in the space and we cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
• The tasting will take place downstairs in the main tasting room, as part of the Cocoa Runners Craft Chocolate Fair. To enter the tasting, please join the second queue outside the building on the right hand side, without entering the fair, and leave time after the event to explore the craft chocolate market upstairs and meet makers from across the UK and beyond.
• For any questions, please email [email protected]

About Annalisa Barbieri

Annalisa Barbieri is the Observer’s Chocolate Correspondent. She began her career in 1993 at the Observer Magazine, spent several years as the Independent’s fishing correspondent and has been a columnist with the Guardian for over 20 years. She also hosts the podcast series ‘Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri’, which features in-depth discussions with trusted specialists about the way we understand ourselves and others. Her ‘Notes on Chocolate’ series at the Observer details all things chocolate, from her current favourites to trying festive and unusual bars.

About the Cocoa Runners’ Craft Chocolate Fair 2025

For the third year running, Cocoa Runners are hosting their ever-popular Craft Chocolate Fair on the 11th and 12th October, 2025. Meet craft chocolate makers from across the UK and beyond at the indoor market, and join a series of talks, tastings and experiences in our beautiful tasting room. The events will take place at the Fidelio Cafe and Concert Venue in Farringdon, London from 10am-5pm.

Following the success of the past two Craft Chocolate Fairs and previous sold-out events at Canopy Market, this year’s Fair will see even more bean-to-bar chocolate makers bringing their chocolate to London, including Chocolarder, Friis Holm, Pump Street, Choco Del Sol, Bare Bones, Neary Nogs, Fjak and more.

Ticketed talks and tastings will take place across both days. Due to the popularity of previous years, we’ve now introduced free, pre-bookable tickets; they will guarantee you entry to the fair during your time slot without queuing.