Bare Bones Chocolate: Glasgow’s Sweetest Secret
If you are wandering around through Glasgow’s Trongate and catch a whiff of something deeply chocolatey in the air. Congratulations— you have just stumbled upon Bare Bones Chocolate, one of the city’s most beloved bean-to-bar chocolatiers, and trust me, you want to follow this scent— and don’t worry, you will not end up like Augustus Gloop.
This small-batch chocolate company is all about serious chocolate, made with serious love— but without taking itself too seriously. Founders Lara Messer and Cameron Dixon started Bare Bones in 2018 with one goal: to make really, really good chocolate! Bare Bones Chocolate is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship. Sourcing rare, organic cocoa beans from around the globe, they ensure farmers are compensated well above fair-trade rates, reflecting their commitment to ethical practices. Each bar is handcrafted in their charming workshop located at 7 Osborne Street.
Let’s cut to the fun stuff: their hot chocolate. If you have only ever had the instant powdered kind, prepare to have your taste buds drenched in chocolate bliss! Made from their award-winning chocolate, melted down into a silky, rich, deeply satisfying cup of liquid gold. There are no weird additives, no unnecessary sweetness— just pure chocolate.
You can go classic with their signature Madagascar 70% hot chocolate, which is fruity and rich. If you are feeling a little extra, try their salted blonde, white hot chocolate, which is a butter, caramel delight. For those who take their chocolate obsession seriously, you can even grab a tin of their hot chocolate flakes to make the magic at home. This is my warning, once you’ve had Bare Bones hot chocolate, you’ll never look back— unless you reverse the spell by saying Augustus Gloop in the mirror three times!
Bares Bones isn’t just about hot chocolate; you can also buy many funky things. They sell their own chocolate-covered treats and mini bars. Their bean-to-bar chocolate bars are an experience in themselves, wrapped in eco-friendly packaging made from recycled coffee cups (because we love a sustainable queen). Must-try chocolate bar flavours? Their 68% Guatemala— warm and nutty— and Milk 54% Dominican Republic— creamy, smooth, and dangerously easy to devour. They also sell merchandise, lifestyle goods, and chocolate collections— this makes it easy to enjoy their brand beyond just chocolate itself!
The shop itself is minimalistic, warm, and inviting, with a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired design that puts all focus on the chocolate. The walls are lined with neatly arranged chocolate bars. There are a few cozy wooden tables and benches to sit and sip. There’s a quiet hum of activity behind the counter, where you can catch a glimpse of the chocolate-making process in action, from roasting the beans to the delicate tempering that gives each bar its perfect snap. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, from the neutral tones and natural textures to the soft glow of lighting that makes everything feel warm and intimate; it’s a space that feels both modern and timeless, a true sanctuary for chocolate lovers.
Whether you are popping in for a quick hot chocolate fix, picking up a beautifully wrapped gift, or soaking in the atmosphere with a sweet treat in hand, Bares Bones chocolate is more than just a shop—it is an experience that will make you want to come back time after time!