The history of the E.Wedel Chocolate Factory began in 1851, when Karol Ernest Wedel, a confectioner with German roots, opened his first confectionery on Miodowa Street in Warsaw. The beginnings were modest, but even then the quality of the sweets on offer attracted crowds of Varsovians - in the first year of business, up to half a thousand cups of chocolate were sold daily! This is an impressive result, considering that chocolate was then a luxury product available mainly to the city's wealthier residents.

A turning point in the company's history came in 1869, when Emil Wedel, the founder's son, moved the store and factory to an apartment building at 4/6/8 Szpitalna St. It was there that the famous 'Old Fashioned Shop' was born, which today functions as E.Wedel Chocolate Pump Room - the oldest existing premises of the brand, witnessing its rich history. The interiors of the pump room have retained their historic character - wooden furniture, original mirrors and distinctive decor take guests back to the glory days of pre-war Warsaw.

Another chapter in the company's history was written by Jan Wedel, the founder's grandson, who took over the reins of the family business in 1923. It was under his leadership that the company experienced its greatest heyday - employment grew to around 200 employees in 1927, and the product range continued to expand. Jan Wedel was not only an excellent entrepreneur, but also a visionary who cared about his employees. The factory had a medical clinic, a kindergarten and even a company orchestra - solutions extremely progressive for the time.

The years 1929-1939 saw the construction of a modern factory on Zamoyskiego Street, designed by Jozef Napoleon Czerwinski. This impressive complex, which can still be admired in Warsaw's Praga district, was one of the most modern production facilities in Europe at the time. The distinctive red brick facade with the inscription 'E.Wedel' has become a symbol of the brand and one of the most recognizable elements of Warsaw's industrial landscape.

World War II brought difficult times for the factory and the Wedel family. Jan Wedel, despite his German origin, refused to sign the volkslist and actively supported the Polish underground. After the war, the factory was nationalized by the communist authorities, and the name was changed to '22 Lipca' (formerly E.Wedel). Despite these adversities, the plant continued production, and the distinctive 'E.Wedel' signature on packaging remained a symbol of quality and tradition.

Today, the E.Wedel Chocolate Factory, part of the Lotte concern, continues to operate in the historic building on Zamoyskiego Street, combining tradition with modernity. It is a place where history comes alive and the smell of chocolate floats in the air, reminding us of the sweet legacy of the Wedel family, which is forever part of the culinary map of Warsaw.

The E.Wedel Chocolate Factory at 8 Szpitalna Street is a real gem on the map of Warsaw, a place where time seems to have stopped. The restaurant, operating in the same place since 1869, has retained its unique, old-fashioned character, which takes guests back to the times of belle époque. The interior is decorated with original mirrors, wooden furniture and distinctive decorations, creating an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia. It is not just a café, but a living monument to the history of Warsaw confectionery.

The pump room's menu is a real feast for the palate. The flagship product is, of course, hot chocolate, prepared according to original recipes from years ago. Thick, aromatic, available in more than a dozen variants - from classic bitter, through milk with chili, to white with raspberries. Each cup is a small work of art, served with due ceremony. In addition to hot chocolate, the pump room offers a wide selection of desserts, including the legendary Ptasie Mleczko®, created in 1936 by Jan Wedel. This delicate chocolate-covered marshmallow has become one of the most recognizable Polish sweets in the world.

It is worth noting the handmade pralines that can be observed during production. Master confectioners with many years of experience create small chocolate works of art, using traditional methods and the highest quality ingredients. Each praline is a separate story of flavor, encased in an elegant chocolate shell. Prices at the pump room are at the medium level, making it accessible to a wide range of sweet lovers.

The pump room on Szpitalna Street is not only a place of consumption, but also a space where one can learn about the history of the E.Wedel brand. Archival photos and advertisements hang on the walls, documenting the company's growth from a small confectionery to an industrial giant. The staff is eager to share anecdotes related to the history of the premises and the brand, which further enriches the experience of the visit.

Not far from the historic pump room, at 28/30 Zamoyskiego Street in Warsaw's Praga district, is the headquarters of E.Wedel - an impressive factory complex with a distinctive red brick facade. It is here that the sweets that have won the hearts of Poles have been produced since 1934. The building, designed by Jozef Napoleon Czerwinski, is an example of modernist industrial architecture and is an important part of the capital's cultural heritage.

The factory on Zamoyskiego Street is not only a manufacturing plant, but also an interactive museum that allows visitors to learn the secrets of chocolate production. During the visit, visitors can see production lines, a mock-up of the Kamionek district and archival advertisements and packaging. Particularly fascinating is the sight of huge vats of liquid chocolate and the precision machines that mold the sweet treats. A tour of the factory is a treat not only for gourmands, but also for lovers of industrial history and design.

An interesting fact is that during World War II Jan Wedel, despite his German origin, actively supported the Polish underground. Weapons and underground materials were hidden in the factory, and many employees were involved in the activities of the Home Army. This little-known page from the company's history shows how strongly the E.Wedel brand was and still is linked to Polish national identity.

For those who wish to expand their chocolate horizons, Warsaw offers another fascinating destination - the Chocolate Manufaktura on Marszalkowska Street. This is a very different place from the historic Wedel factory, but equally passionate for lovers of sweets. Manufaktura Czekolady is a modern concept that focuses on an artisanal approach to chocolate production and consumer education. It is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Poland, which means that the entire process - from the cocoa bean to the chocolate bar - takes place on site.

A visit to Manufaktura Czekolady is a great opportunity to understand the difference between mass production and an artisanal approach to creating sweets. Here, each bar is a small work of art, and the production process is more like the work of an artist than a factory. Visitors can watch as cocoa beans are roasted, shelled, ground and conched to ultimately take the form of exquisite chocolate with a unique flavor. Prices at the Manufaktura are slightly higher than for mass products, but reflect the quality and unique nature of the products on offer.

Manufaktura Czekolady also organizes chocolate workshops, during which participants can create their own chocolate bar, praline or truffle. This is an excellent activity for families with children, couples looking for unusual entertainment or groups of friends wishing to spend time in a sweet atmosphere. The workshops are conducted by experienced chocolatiers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills.

Comparing the offer of E.Wedel Chocolate Factory and Manufaktura Czekolady, it is worth noting a few important differences. E.Wedel is first and foremost a rich history, tradition and cultural heritage. It is a brand that has accompanied Poles for generations and has become part of the national identity. Manufaktura Czekolady, on the other hand, represents a new trend in the approach to candy production - it focuses on ecology, conscious consumption and transparency in the production process. The choice between the two places depends on individual preferences - lovers of history and tradition will be delighted with a visit to the Wedel Factory, while those seeking new taste sensations and valuing an artisanal approach will find it at the Chocolate Manufaktura.

It is also worth mentioning the differences in the products themselves. E.Wedel chocolates are classics of the genre - proven recipes that have been recognized by consumers for years. Ptasie Mleczko®, Torcik Wedlowski or Mieszanka Wedlowska are products that have become part of the Polish culinary landscape. Manufaktura Czekolady, on the other hand, offers single-origin chocolates (made from beans from a single region), often with unusual additives and high cocoa content. This is a proposition for more demanding consumers looking for new taste sensations.

Regardless of your choice, a visit to Warsaw's chocolate temples is an unforgettable experience that allows you not only to satisfy your gluttony, but also to broaden your knowledge of the history and production of one of the world's most beloved delicacies. Both the E.Wedel Chocolate Factory and the Chocolate Manufactory are places that combine education with pleasure, offering visitors much more than just sweet snacks. They are true centers of chocolate culture that are worth visiting during your stay in Warsaw.

Warsaw, thanks to these unique places, can confidently claim to be the Polish capital of chocolate. Each of them tells a different story, but they all share a passion for creating exceptional sweets that bring joy to chocolate lovers of all ages.