Knoops — Restaurant in London

,

I have been a loyal customer of KNOOPS since its early days in Clapham Junction, so I was excited to visit the King’s Road location for a much-needed pick-me-up. Unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing.

I ordered my usual milkshake, fully aware of the recent price increase, and waited while Ava prepared my drink. However, I immediately noticed that the cup was only a little over half full—quite surprising given the £7 price tag. When I took a sip, the consistency was extremely thin, more like a store-bought chocolate milk rather than the rich, creamy milkshake I expected.

After Ava finished serving another customer, I politely mentioned that my drink seemed watery and asked if she could add a little more ice cream to thicken it. Without hesitation, she said no, stating that she had followed the standard recipe. I asked again, reasoning that adding a small amount of ice cream would be a better solution than wasting the drink entirely. Instead of adjusting it, she proceeded to pour the entire milkshake down the drain.

This response was frustrating for two reasons: first, the lack of customer care, and second, the unnecessary waste. A simple adjustment could have resolved the issue, but instead, I was left without a drink and disappointed in both the service and the disregard for food waste.

I have always enjoyed KNOOPS for its quality and customer service, but this experience has made me question whether those values are still upheld. I hope this feedback is taken into account, as small adjustments in service can make a big difference in customer...

I’m going to give it a 3 star only because, out of 6 or so members of staff, two members stood out and made me consider returning.

The first member of staff, a man with dreadlocks took my order and was professional from start to finish. He explained the menu, offered me a sample. And even when I had to return my hot chocolate (extremely hot beverage) he changed the order.

There were other, (presumably staff members) gathered by the till backs tuned having a good chat (it was the end of the day I guess), but one of the girls had her back leaning on the counter and her head turned staring at me (which I found a bit weird I have to say).

The second staff member, with mousey brown hair took the time to answer my query about a loyalty card (doing it online, making sure to enquire during the transaction process). Unfortunately I had already made my purchase, thanked him for letting me know for the future.

My order: I chose 54% chocolate and also opted for cinnamon (extra 50p), Total price of the hot chocolate was £4:55. The beverage was a bit too sweet for me, but I totally see how it would be amazing for chocolate lovers.

Seating arrangements, two tables with chairs outside and same number of tables inside (limited space).

I also noticed the store sells merchandise; a book available to purchase with chocolate recipes.

Would I return? I’d probably go elsewhere, as the price was a bit expensive, beverage a bit sweet, I was attracted to the store by neon lights (😝) and it was quite cold! I like the concept (selling varieties of...

I was served in a friendly manner by a young woman who took my order and two men who actually made the drink. Waited about five minutes for it.

I ordered a 95% cocoa (which I was warned was bitter) but my goodness, why sell it in the first place? It was made with Minor Figures Oat and it was utterly undrinkable! Got nauseating flashbacks to the horror show that was Hotel Chocolat's 100% bars and hot chocolate that taste very sour like the world's worst coffee.

I'm trying to avoid added sugar and have had sugar free hot chocolate that's tasted fine (but doesn't melt well, like Lucocoa's) but this was particularly abysmal.

Also, the festive spice mix is barely noticeable and tastes weak (unsure if its amount used but more a quality issue, just like the 95% cocoa being atrocious as I've experimented with spices at home in hot chocolate and I can taste that it isn't up to scratch).

If you like 100% cocoa hot chocolate without extreme bitterness, try Firetree instead. Equal Exchange does great, velvety cocoa powder as well (this will need some sweetening with something less damaging than sugar, unlike Firetree's). If you like additional spice mix in your hot chocolate, try Steenberg's pots of goodness. For something this expensive, it should taste...