Wednesday, 30 March 2011

March 30th: Lucky's Honey Time Collection

As much as I enjoy reviewing all the newest and latest products from the likes of Cadbury and Nestle etc, nothing give me more pleasure than featuring a niche UK British brand. These reviews can be especially exciting for me when I believe the brand to have as much potential as the one I am featuring today - enter centre stage LUCKY'S!!

Lucky's are a newly established British based firm who have a brand proposition inspired by the book Alice in Wonderland. Their product range consists of 'unique luxury cakes covered in pure chocolate', in which they combine their own handmade cake recipes with the finest chocolate from fancy pants Valrhona (winner of many a prestigious choco snob award).

I've not done Lucky's justice with my introduction to their brand, so I suggest you check out their website to read further into them (See HERE). All you guys need to know for the minute however is that today, alongside my trusted family tasting panel, I got the chance to try out their 'Honey Time Collection' set of cakes. These came described as 'premium chocolate enrobed spiced honey cakes with cream fillings', and contained three different variants of cake - 'Fancy Fudge', 'Sour Kick' and 'Nutty Delight'. These were each portioned twice (thank god! Haha!)

As you can see from my photos, presentation was absolutely first class. The entire box was wonderfully designed and gave the product a real sense of premiumality with everything from the on-pack design, inner menu cards and fancy bow ribbon making it one of the best presented products I think I have ever received to review on the site. Hopefully my photos of the cakes also do justice to just how impeccable and appetising they looked. We were all tremendously excited about tasting these - see our thoughts below.

Sour Kick - 'Valrhona 40% milk chocolate covered and apricot in bourbon'. My mother latched on to one these as soon as the box was opened and she wasn't left disappointed. She said the milk chocolate was wonderfully smooth flowing in it's sweet, cocoa rich flavours, and that the sweetness that came from the honey cake and chocolate contrasted quite superbly with the fruity tartness of the apricot jam. Texturally she said it was a dream, with the soft melting chocolate and jam giving a lovely moistness. She obviously must of thought a lot of it as she was quick to strike up a deal with to secure a large portion of the second piece :D. I wouldn't argue against her awarding it the elusive rating of Superb.

Fancy Fudge - 'Valrhona 60% dark chocolate covered milk caramel'. My father and I were the ones who nabbed these two, with him claiming this was about perfect when it came to proposition given that he loved dark chocolate, honey cake and of course fudge. As we expected these were delicious cakes, with the three different chief constituents proving highly complimentary to each other. The 60% dark chocolate could of perhaps been a little stronger, however it was still glorious tasting with it's unsweetened cocoa flavours setting a rich taste from the outset. The inner honey cake and milk caramel were highly sweet in comparison, but left delicious toffee and butter influences in the mouth. My Father has insisted on I give it a rating of Superb.

Nutty Delay - 'Valrhona 35% white chocolate covered chocolate praline'. Doesn't this cake look absolutely fantastic!? I thought so! I think we are all aware that white chocolate isn't my favourite chocolate type, but it has to be said this was extremely high quality. As with all good white chocolate, the taste was more rooted in it's cream based flavours rather sugar, and it had a cool, flowing milkyness to it. At the heart of these cakes the honey cake was every bit as good as the other variants, though I personally wanted just a little more woody nuttyness from the praline chocolate cream. I was told that this was me being ultra fussy, however with just a little bit rawness in the nutty flavours I think these could have been just as special as the other two above. Very Good.


Overall I can't quite praise these Lucky luxury chocolate cakes enough - they are the best product I have reviewed on ChocolateMission so far this year. I simply loved everything about the entire package I received. The idea behind the brand, product concept, product delivery, product quality - all I can say is that it was just all exceptional. It's not often that I come across a totally unique proposition that is as well executed as these cakes were from Lucky's. The guys over at Lucky's are still very much in their infancy as a company, but if they can keep up this level of quality as they develop then they are surely in for great things in the very near future. If you want to treat yourself to some chocolatey treats that are nothing like you have ever tried before, then I will just point you in the direction of Lucky's. I can't wait for my next experience with this fantastic new brand - neither can the rest of family.

9.2 out of 10

72 comments:

Nick said...

I got to hand it to them. These do look the business. I know I say this everyday but this is a top review lad.

Kim said...

Wow im really impressed by these they look absolutely fantastic. Out of interest how did you come to hear about Lucky's? Did they just approach you for a review or did you stumble across them by chance?

One would guess it would be them contacting you. I don't think I ever would have found out about them if you hadn't of posted them about today.

Sarah said...

So do all the cakes here have the same honey cake stuff in the middle? Is it always honey cake or do they mix and match with other sorts at all?

Terry said...

Since when did you become a master of all things cake related eh!? I thought this was the chocolate mission not the chocolate cake mission lol.

Daisy said...

These cakes look tremendous. Its so exciting seeing titchy brands like this trying to put their stamp on the big world. Good LUCK to them I say lol. I wonder how many people are going to put that pun in their comments today lol. Thanks for another fab review darl.

Dx

Anonymous said...

Amazing review Jim. I cant stop looking at the photos lol.

Ryan said...

I was going to start complaining about the lack of bits and bobs review but then I took the time to read the post today. Lol no wonder you got these up there instead. They look out of this world. I just love the AIW theme they have going on, it makes them stand out in its own sort of way.

David said...

These are so simple, yet look so effective at what they do. Fancy chocolate with homemade cake isn't rocket science but I couldn't name you anything like this that I've seen before. Well done to the people that have created this Lucky's brand. They have created something pretty special by the looks of things.

Chris said...

How big are each of the cakes? Lol sorry Ive asked you the same thing about some of the truffles you have done before. I just find it hard grasping the relative size of stuff in pictures. Can you just give an example of something that is similar in stature mate.

JK said...

The attention to detail here is outstanding. By the looks of it they have really taken extra special care with every part of these. I really hope I can buy some soon. Thank you for the review m8.

Emma said...

God I love the look of these cakes. I love even the way they have put their brand name on top of the cakes. It just looks utter class. You must love it when things are as easy to write about as these appear to have been. Giving positive feedback on something must be loads easier to do than writing really negatively.

Golden_Touch said...

That nutty delay looks so so good. If I had my pick of the three I would be on the white chocolate one.
Its good to hear that they are using very high quality chocolate. If they had used cheap stuff, I can imagine they could be very sickly.

Steven_F said...

Lol Richard is going to have a field day =) Let me ask his question for him ........ how much do these cost lol.

Gareth said...

I work in marketing and I have to congratulate the people who forumlated the Lucky's brand.

The mad hatter cakes brand concept is fantastic. It's relevant, everyone is aware of it, and most importantly there is room to further expand on it in the future. The world is their oyster.

Justin said...

Jesus mate. Food porn to the max here. This review should carry a health warning.

Rachel said...

Wonderful review love you have outdone yourself again unearthing these little gems. I've not seen you review anything so unique since heaven cakes first cropped up. These are some yummy looking cakes.

Rxxx

Katie S said...

The guys over at Lucky's are still very much in their infancy as a company, but if they can keep up this level of quality as they develop then they are surely in for great things in the very near future. If you want to treat yourself to some chocolatey treats that are nothing like you have ever tried before, then I will just point you in the direction of Lucky's. I can't wait for my next experience with this fantastic new brand - neither can the rest of family.

So you think they are alright then :p

I hated the AiW book but this is a clever tie in for a new brand of chocolates.

There are some great ideas here. Well done for finding them.

David said...

btw jim If you have any more information about where they are going to start selling them, please can you make us aware. Sorry I know you get annoyed with people always asking you that. When you are the guy with the knowledge though you should just expect it :P

Francesca said...

Im struggling to see where the honey cake comes in to these so called cakes? In the photographs you have given us they just look like big cubed truffles. Where is the cake part placed?

Anonymous said...

must.avoid.eating.screen.

Andy said...

Wow look at the score for these :O They must have been amazing for you to given them ratings that high. Great pics today mate.

Kels said...

Well if it comes with a recommendation from CM as glowing as this I will have to try them.

These manufacturers should start getting stickers on their wrappers to display their CM score lmao. Its a nice idea I think :) I always think to myself "what score would jim give this" when Im about to buy some choc.

Colin said...

1. Fancy Fudge
2. Nutty Delay
3. Sour Kick

Thats the order I would demolish these in LOL. They all look so good I would have to try them all straight away if I got them.

James said...

Amazing photos Jim. Are these ones you did yourself or were they sent to you. They don't look like your usual style if im honest with you.

Darren said...

I still haven't got around to trying anything from Heavenly Cakes and now you spring these on us. Boy oh boy what is a guy to do. I just can't keep up with you and your cake eating pace Jimbo. You need to slow down my friend, I hope you have invested in a gym pass. All this cake can't be doing that much for your health.

Anonymous said...

OMG those cakes are 'lick my screen-licious'. Please tell me you are best mates with the people at Lucky's now Jim. You need them to run a choccie mission competition ASAP. They must be happy with you now you have given them a review thats this good.

Maggs

Alex said...

Oh great. Another bunch of people have paid him a load of money to get a good score.

How bloody obvious can you make this. No one has ever even heard of these people before, yet they get the highest rating of the year. If they were that good we would have heard of them before now.

Nigel said...

HI J,

See the football last night? I thought it was ok for an England friendly. I was well surprised at how entertaining it was.

I wont go on about the footie much today because I have to give you my thoughts on these cakes.

These beauties are 'jaw droppingly' amazing looking judging by the work you have done with your photos and words. Man I would give anything to just try that fudge one, its like my perfect cake. To add to David's comment it would be gd if you could tell us if they are going to be any outlets soon.

Cheers
N

Lewis said...

I got all excited for a minute thinking I could order my mum some of these for mothers day :( They don't look like they are selling hardly anything of their website though. Its a real shame they haven't got themselves more sorted for the holiday season. I would have thought they would want to cash in on this sort of time.

Sean said...

All I can say is wow. Everything about these just look brilliant. Im mega jealous you get to eat such exciting things.

Nick said...

@Alex for god sake man just shut up. I have no experience with these people whatsoever but if Jim says these were as good as he says then I one hundred percent believe him. We don't even know if he has been paid to write this review at all, let alone whether he has paid to say that they are nice.

Looking at these at the face value of the pictures I would find it incredibly stupid of someone to argue these don't look impressive impressive. Your constant criticism of this site is just so sad mate.

Lisa said...

These are the lushest looking cakes I think I have ever seen. Actually, hmmmmmm heavenly cakes still might be better. Ack I can't decide. Someone send me either and I will make a ruling =)

Paul said...

I don't quite get these. Are they made by Varlhorna or are they made by someone completely different? Are they British based?

Ollie said...

High quality chocolate
High quality cake

Absolutely nothing not to love here.

Sakura_MOON said...

I would give anything just for tinsy lil bite outta that fudge fancy right now. I think its one of the nicest looking cakes I have ever seen :-) :-)

Nigel said...

Are any other chocolate mission fanatics following the cricket? Who are you all supporting today!? It has to be India.

Kev said...

This looks like such a beautiful total package. 10/10 for presentation is a great call I would say.
I wish I could verify the rest of the scoring bits that you get to do taste etc. I will have to wait until I try them to confirm them. Reading all the superlatives you used in this review you were very very impressed by the sound of things.

Dan said...

Great find here Jim. How did you come across Luckys? I just added their twitter feed. Do they tweet alot?

Becci said...

My oh my I hadn't seen these before? Do you know where they are going to start selling them? Its such a simple idea but its not like anyone is really doing it on a mass scale at the moment. It looks like they have some great potential.

Alan said...

These do look fab and everything about them is great - but the price has put me off :( A box like this appears to cost £18 from their website - and I dont know about postage- which for 6 little cake bites is extremely expensive and to be honest if I got a box like this and opened it I'd be disapointed to find just six little items amongst all that packaging. So while I like the idea for me the cost would be very prohibitive.

Lot-O-Choc said...

Have been wanting to try & review some luckys stuff for ages! Will definately be giving these a shot now yum!

Sarah said...

oh my god the photographs of the cakes are so good. I could eat all three of these right now. Fantastic review Jim. Its lovely hearing about such another amazing UK cake maker.

Tom said...

Im not that keen on the apricot one but the other two sound excellent.

The way they present them like a box of jewells is mighty impressive aswell. They look so special tucked in that box there.

Welcome to chocolate mission Lucky's I hope we see more of you.

Matt said...

@Alex you have just 100% confirmed you are a complete moron. Congratulations.

Phil said...

Good review Jim, and as others have said top photograpy. They all look delicious. The presentation is amazing, they look so special. I've never tried honey cake before so that's a new one on me, but I trust they're as good as you say.
Like Alan though I'll have to pass on trying them, the cost is just too much for my budget.

By the way Jim, is "premiumality" really a word? ;)

Anonymous said...

You lucky lucky bugger Jim.

I keep getting confused by what people are saying. Do you get money for writing reviews or not? I thought you were just a blogger not a pro food critic or something.

Anonymous said...

It seems so wrong that a Cadbury Caramel, Snickers, Mars or Galaxy Caramel rank higher in your leader board. These cakes are of a much higher quality and complexity?!

Hope they send you some of their loving hearts to review - Losing my head, Let it Bee forever and Lovers are Lunatics all look incredible!

Ana said...

The first one sounds like the best to me. There aren't enough chocolate & apricot combinations out there.

@Chris: their website says 25g each.

@Francesca: maybe this picture shows it better - the cake layer is at the bottom; above it you have the cream filling and then everything is covered in chocolate.

@Paul: Lucky's are UK-based and they use Valrhona chocolate to make their cakes.

@Lewis: They do have an online shop and I find it pretty simple to use :-??

Roxy said...

Yay! As you know I wanted a cake review so I was v happy to read today's. These beauties look & sound scrummy Jim. I do love it when you review a new British co. & their product turns out to be so good that it gets a big up! ;) Brillyunt x

Ria said...

Wow, these look and sound amazing! Each piece looks high quality and it's clear a lot of effort also went into the packaging and the concept behind their stuff. It's always great being introduced to a new, British company and it's always an extra boost when they have come up with something completely unexpected. Thanks for bringing these to my attention! They sound like they fully deserve their extremely high rating. Here's hoping you get the chance to bring us a few more of their products.

Jim said...

Hi All,

If I was Lucky's I would be sitting there blushing at all these comments :D You all seem to have nothing but nice things to say to them (fully deserved it my opinion!!).

These really were some tremendous chocolate cakes, and like so many of you have mentioned the whole round package was just so well put together. The Alice in Wonderland tie in is such a good basis from which to build the product. I think that is the thing that makes these so unique. The initial concept is tremendous.

Hopefully I will get some of the guys from Lucky's to come on here at some point to give you some more informed answers to your questions.

You may all want to check out the Booja-Booja review from the other day as they have come to us with some feedback.

KIM - I know the PR person for Lucky's. They work across a few brands I write reviews for.

SARAH - Not all their cakes have honey cake in. They do several different lines with different flavoured cakes in the middle.

TERRY - I have been reviewing cakes for a while now chap.

CHRIS - Sorry it would be a little hard to gauge. Im trying to think of a similar sized object but now you have put me on the spot Im struggling haha :D Let me think about this one.

JUSTIN - You always say that when I review cakes don't you.

FRANCESCA - Sorry if the photos aren't that clear. I tried my best with them but it was hard to get everything on show.

ANON - Hmmm I wouldn't advise screen licking chap :D

KELS - Its good to see you take my reviews and opinions so seriosuly :D Just remember I'm only one bloke though :D I could be wrong haha!

DARREN - Don't worry my health is in good order :D Thanks for the concern though chap.

MAGGS - I will ask them about this. They ran a competition for another blog the other week so I don't see why they couldn't do one for us. I will let them answer that :D

ALEX - You never fail to amuse :D

NIGEL - I did see the football last night. Like you say it was about ten times more entertaining than I expected it to be. Hopefully Lucky's themselves will come on and advise where you might be able to buy their cakes soon.

Jim said...

NICK - I wouldn't waste your time on him chap. Just laugh at his silly comments and let him be.

PAUL - Lucky's are a completely different entity to Varlhrona. They just use their chocolate as it is very highly rated.

NIGEL - I'm supporting India today but Sri Lanka in the final. I will be quids in if Sri Lanka win.

DAN - See what I said above to Kim.

ALAN - I fully see your point here. I think they have a job to do in regards to making smaller sample packages that will allow people to trial their cakes at smaller price points. Personally I think they justify their price premiuim, BUT had I not been sent these as samples and been able to try them before then I would have thought exactly like you.

LOT-O-CHOC - Drop them a line of Twitter. They will get back to you Im sure.

TOM - If im anything to do with it we will see plenty more of them.

MATT - Although this made me laugh I don't want this turning into a flame site. Thanks for the support but I will stop allowing his funny comments through if people are reacting to them.

PHIL - Well do you get what I mean :D Haha I remember when I wrote the review at the weekend it was one of the words that spellchecker wasn't happy with :D What can I say chap? I will submit it to the people who write the Oxford dictionary and see what they say about it :D I'm glad you agree these look impressive. Like I said to Alan, they just need to develop some small sampling portions in my opinion.

ANON - Just because they are more complex it doesn't make them a better product. Anyway really is there going to be that much difference between something that gets rated 9.2 out of 10 and 9.4 out of 10!? Those ratings tell you that both products have to
be pretty incredible. I hope they send me those products to!

ANA - Thanks for answering some of those questions for me :D Useful as ever. It would be amazing if you could try these out and give your own views on them one day.

ROXY - As I said at the start of the review I also take great pleasure in writing reviews for these small British brands. Especially when they turn out to be as good as these. Thanks for the feedback on the review :D

Thanks for leaving your views on the review today guys/gals. I know the smaller companies especially appreciate it when you take the time to give your opinions - good or bad. I hope we hear from Lucky's themselves soon enough.

JIM

Zara said...

Now these look like serious cakes. How did you hear about them? They look sort of inspired by Heavenly Cakes (tons of chocolate with cake lol), but sorta more premium and fancy.

Linda said...

Great post Jim. I love it when you post about these smaller UK people that are trying to make names for themselves. Them getting such high regard on a site like this will only help them in their future development so good on you for awarding them such high marks. If you hear about them starting to sell their products on anywhere but the internet please make sure you give us all the heads up. As much as I enjoy reading your pearls of wisdom I enjoy eating these things much more lol ;) Thanks again.

Lauren said...

I've often wondered why you have never reviewed Valrhona chocolate before. I think it would be worth you doing some seperate reviews on just the chocolate if you have time for it soon. Take that as a request please mate ;) nothing urgent, but I think it would be well sensible if you did.

Patrick said...

Could their online shop be any more confusing to navigate? I could list out the number of things wrong with it but I feel like I would be wasting my time. Its a shame because I was very keen to see what sort of packages they had for sale. Tell them to sort themselves out J.

Anonymous said...

@Alex are you saying Jim gets payed to review these sort of cakes? That is the most incredible feat ever if he has managed to swindle that. How the hell could one justify having to be paid to eat cakes like these lot.

Stephen said...

The fudge caramel cake is the most gorgeous thing I have seen on here for ages. You are so incredibly lucky getting to try stuff like this Jim. I swear you have the best job in the world. I would do this free of charge if they asked me to.

Anonymous said...

If these were so nice why would you share them with your family.

Lu said...

Can you buy these cakes on there own? I fancy the look of the nutty delight and the other one but I wouldn't want to go anywhere near any apricot jam. Sorry but im finding their website uber confusing to determine what you can/can't buy off them.

Nigel said...

Hey J

Were you happy india won then. It sets up a wicked game for saturday. Im looking forward to it more than the football lol.

N

Charlie said...

Lol I just can't keep up with things these days. I'll add these to my crib sheet of things I need to try. It's getting ridiculously long, and more so each week :-) I might sneak these near the top lol.

Lee said...

My mouse is dangerously sitting on the buy button here. These just look too good to miss out on.

Cracking review lad. You know how to write about these things in detail huh! If your not a full time writer for food companies you bloody well should be.

Nina said...

Its cool the way they have made cakes that suit all of the different chocolate types and haven't just been lazy and built them all around one. I wouldn't normally eat dark chocolate that strong, but I would love to give it a go now I know its tempered by the sweet cake and fudge. The sour kick cake sounds so special. I love apricot jam mmmmm.

Phil said...

Hey Jim I see Mars are launching a new Galaxy product, Galaxy Bites:

http://www.talkingretail.com/products/product-news/galaxy-bites-back

They sound the same as the Cadbury nibbles to me.

Jim said...

ZARA - See answer above. Their PR company got in contact with me.

LINDA - I hope it does help them out in a small way. I guess if people look for reviews they will see a positive one from me. That might help tip them over the edge to purchasing I guess.

LAUREN - I will note your request and look to review some Valhrona in the future. If its asked for I usually get around to doing it eventually :D

PATRICK - I think the shop will be having some improvements made to it soon. It should be updated for Easter I think.

STEPHEN - Unfortunately its not my day job. One day perhaps :D

ANON - Why would I share with my family? Well I'm a kind hearted softie thats why :D Its nice to share things.

LU - I'm not too sure you can at the minute ... watch this space Luckys should be responding to you comments soon I believe.

NIGEL - Indeed the final is going to be a special event. Lets hope its a great game.

LEE - Those are very kind words. Thank you.

PHIL - Come on chap keep up :D :D Check the news page I posted that during the week.

Thanks everyone

JIM

The Queen of Hearts said...

Hello everyone,

I’m very sorry for not replying sooner – I’ve been extremely busy coordinating the creation of all of our Lucky’s products for Easter and it’s been such hard work getting all of my subjects to do exactly what I want!

We’re so very pleased that Jim enjoyed our chocolate enrobed cakes, he’s obviously a young man with very discerning taste. Thank you all for your comments, Alice is quite beside herself with happiness, I’ve had to banish her as she keeps squealing with excitement. We hope you all get to try our cakes and chocolates very soon. Some of my subjects will be at The Chocolate Festival at Southbank this weekend (8th-10th April), so if you’re in London please do come to see us there.

In reply to your wonderful questions:

Sarah, my dear – we have two types of cakes The Mad Hatter brownies in a choice 3 different flavours and the Honey Time spiced honey cakes, also in 3 flavours. We’ll also be launching our Cheshire Cat cakes later in the year.

Chris - the cakes come in two sizes, bite size treats are 26g 1.2” x 1.2” x 1.0” and the larger size is 95g – 2.2" x 2.2" x 1.6" - perfect for sharing, although the King of Hearts refuses to share his with me – 'off with his head', I say.

Steven_F – the miniature cakes are £3.50 and the full size are £8.50

David and Becci – our products are currently sold on our site www.luckys-online.com , on www.notonthehighstreet.com and at Raoul’s deli in Maida Vale.

Francesca – these are most definitely cakes – the honey times are made with a spiced honey sponge and the mad hatters are a brownie. They’re all then enrobed in chocolate using a very secret technique.

Lewis – everything is available from our website, here’s a link to the shop page http://www.luckys-online.co.uk/shop/index.php

Alan – we’re sorry you find the cakes expensive, you can buy just one. We buy the very best ingredients, use the finest chocolate and each one is hand made.

Paul – the cakes aren’t made by Valrhona but we use their chocolate as we think it’s some of the best chocolate you can buy. We’re a British company based in West London.

Thank you all very much for your kind words about Lucky's chocolate cakes - they are most appreciated. Should you wish to stay in touch with all the happenings from our corner of Wonderland, I urge you to sign up for our e-newsletter via our website - if you do so before the other Royal Wedding (29th April), you will be in with a chance, each and every Friday, of winning chocolate treats from the Lucky's collection as the Mad Hatter is having the most insane prize draw - Good Luck all!

David said...

Incredible. Thanks for replying to us. I love you have done it in character :) Queen of Hearts lol that made me laugh.

I think its brill that you use valrhona chocolate even though they are nothing to do with you. Had you considered using a british chocolate though so you could keep it all within the same country?

Chris said...

Thanks for the answer. Your cakes sound small though. I have got myself muddled as to whether these are supposed to be chocolates dressed as cakes or cakes dressed as chocolates.

It doesn't matter I guess.

Mysterio6_19 said...

im signing up right now. Luckys FTW man.

Hayley said...

The price is off putting but I might take a chance on them because they have scored so high.

I think I will hold out until I have an excuse to buy them lol. I don't think my partner would want me spending so much on cakes.

Luckys London said...

To: David. You are an inquisitive thing aren’t you? just like Alice (it’s got her into all sorts of trouble I can tell you!). We would love to use a British chocolate producer, but there really aren’t very many here. There are two wonderful artisan producers whom we very much admire, Duffy Sheardown’s Red Star chocolate www.redstarchocolate.co.uk and Willie Harcourt Cooze, whom you may have seen on Channel 4 but neither are yet able to make enough chocolate to supply other companies. Most of the UK’s best chocolatiers also buy from Valrhona to create their chocolates.

 

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