Paul A Young began his sweet trajectory under the tutelage of the legendary Marco Pierre White, swiftly rising through the ranks to become head pastry chef at Quo Vadis and Criterion. Today he is known as a truly ground-breaking chocolatier with something of a reputation as a flavour alchemist. His creations are often experimental and creative, but always in perfect harmony. Everything he and his team creates across his two London shops (Wardour Street in Soho, and Camden Passage in Islington) is hand-made in small batches and entirely eschews all compounds, concentrates, essences, preservatives and additives. He remains, by those exacting criteria, the only truly artisan chocolatier working in London today.

Aspirant chocolate specialists, can buy his book, Adventures with Chocolate, which was shortlisted for the Andre Simon Award, as can non aspirant chocolatiers who simply enjoy drooling over his work.

Here, he whisks us around his digital world, where he occasionally breaks off from sugary treats to indulge in a spot of pottery.



My favourite website... I really like the Great British Chefs - I’ve worked with them many times now, and it is such a great resource for inspiring recipes from my peers in the industry.

My favourite app… Definitely CityMapper - It’s the most useful tool if you live and work in London. When you have multiple meetings across the capital, it helps with complicated scheduling, getting there and in plenty of time. 



My favourite blog… I am good friends with Edd Kimber, and his blog, The Boy Who Bakes, and his Youtube channel always make my mouth water. I also enjoy looking at Pinterest and Instagram to find new creative, design and food interests.
 
My favourite podcasts… I really enjoy working with Delicious magazine, and its podcast has equally good content with brilliant guests too. 

 

My most recent buy online… A pair of Grenson brogue boots.

Book just downloaded/ read... I much prefer to read a real book. I went to the launch of Henrietta Lovell’s Infused and it is such a gorgeous book, detailing her journey through tea. 

Favourite tweeter… After an event at SkandiHus with Billington’s, I’ve recently been enjoying classes at its pottery school. I like following their Twitter (and Instagram) for stunning pottery and further inspiration. My other favourite tweeters are everyone who is kind enough to give their feedback on my new chocolates.



Favourite Instagrammer… Emma Freud - Her posts are witty, interesting, fun and make me smile lots.

Social media allowed me to meet… My partner, Luke. He messaged me with praise for my hot chocolate; we met and fell in love. 
 


The best digital advice I've been given… Embrace it!
 
My screensaver… My dog Billington, the miniature Dachshund. 
 
Standout online memory… When I realised I could plan my life out on Google Calendar.

My pet hate online… Bullying - It's made it easier to target so many innocent people, especially when those people have never met and do not know each other.

READ MORE

My Web with wine expert, Olly Smith
Chef Edward Delling Williams and his online favourites

October 2019

By Nancy Alsop