The Bendicks Bittermint Continues To Be a Royal Favourite

Words by

Sphere Editors

19th June 2025

For nearly a century, Bendicks has supplied the nation with its trademark confectionery, reaching a high point with the creation of its now-classic Bittermint. In this spotlight from The Illustrated Royalty in Britain, we revisit the story of this iconic minty treat — and how it led to the renewal of its Royal Warrant by King Charles III.

Presented by Bendicks

A favourite of Bendicks' fans. Courtesy of Bendicks

The Bendicks story began in 1930, when Mr Oscar Benson and Colonel Dickson started a small confectionery business on unassuming Church Street in Kensington, producing chocolates in a tiny basement beneath the shop. A few years later, Bendicks was developing an enviable reputation for quality and a Bendicks store opened in the heart of London’s exclusive Mayfair.

The rich and fashionable frequently visited the shop to enjoy the intense taste of a strong mint fondant, accompanied by 95 per cent dark chocolate made from the finest cocoa beans. Known as the Bittermint, it was a phenomenon from the start and was to make Bendicks famous around the world.

The unrivalled reputation of Bendicks continued to grow and over 60 years ago in 1962, Bendicks was awarded a Royal Warrant, By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, a prestigious stamp of quality that has adorned every one of the beautifully distinctive chocolate boxes ever since.

Royal Warrant awarded to Bendicks by King Charles III

An evening treat fit for royalty. Courtesy of Bendicks

Bendicks continues to build on its reputation and rich heritage, still paying the same attention to every detail at its factory as it did when the chocolates were made in the basement beneath the shop in Kensington. Today, Bendicks is the premium after-dinner mint, delivering the perfect finishing touch to any meal or entertainment occasion. Crafted with only the finest ingredients, the iconic Bittermint is still made using the same original recipe today, a testament to their commitment to the company’s traditional methods and artistry, passed down through the years.

Bendicks has earned the loyalty of chocolate lovers and royalty alike and was awarded a Royal Warrant By Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III in 2024. Quality and tradition are fundamental to the longevity of the company’s success and Bendicks looks forward to many more years of producing its famous chocolate mints and continuing to delight the most discerning customers.

bendicks.co.uk