Haigh's Chocolates

Overview

Whether it's for a a gift or a personal treat, it's hard to go wrong with chocolate. But if you happen to purchase from artisan chocolate shop Haigh's, you'll definitely get it right. Originally from Adelaide, this family-owned company has been churning out chocolate delights for over a century. This store, in the Strand Arcade, is one of three in Sydney (the others are in the QVB and Chatswood Chase). It certainly provides a grand shopping experience, reminiscent of old-fashioned chocolate shops with golden and deep-wood finishes. The staff are also dressed the part — white gloves and all.

Haigh's sources quality cocoa beans from around the world and uses artisan skills to turn them into premium chocolate liquid. We would happily take a gallon of it like that, but instead Haigh's transforms this liquid gold into the diverse range of products you'll find in store. Glass cases showcase the vast individual chocolate collection featuring the usual suspects - peppermint and caramel — as well as some unique flavours like the wattleseed crunch and stout ganache. If the pressure to choose is a bit much, pre-packaged boxes are available. There are also bars, blocks and novelty-shaped treats including a milk chocolate Murray cod — a tip of the chocolatier hat to Haigh's Australian roots. And at Easter, forget the chocolate bunny — it's all about the famous chocolate bilby.

Image: Wiki Commons