Robert Charles is the founder of XO Chocolate London, who began his chef training in Devon before moving to London to pursue work across the industry. His culinary journey has taken him across the world, travelling with the likes of McLaren and Mercedes as part of their hospitality team within Formula 1, catering for drivers, senior management, partners, guests and events whilst trackside. It was this experience that ignited a lifelong passion for international cuisine, and ultimately led him to discover the world of artisan chocolate.
This newfound love of chocolate led to an opportunity to work at R Chocolate London, the luxury chocolatier founded by the self-confessed chocoholic, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. After two years spent working with the Rothschild family, Robert felt truly inspired and felt it was the right time to take his new understanding of chocolate and wider business operations and pursue his own ambitions.
With a sprinkle of time travelling overseas again, spent working alongside acclaimed Michelin Star Chefs such as Jacques Pourcel, Alain Caron and Jean Baptiste Natali, Robert would eventually launch his own venture, XO Chocolate, in 2020, with its first boutique in Wimbledon. Robert breaks the rules and barriers between sweet, savoury and tradition, to create an amazing chocolate experience.
Since then, XO Chocolate has opened its 2nd intricately designed boutique in central London (Oxford Circus 3 min walk), and will be expanding its operations to an additional production unit for increased capacity this summer.