The 50 Best Ice-Cream Parlours

3. Snugbury’s
Fresh Jersey cream is the main ingredient in Snugbury’s range of ices, which Christopher and Cheryl Sadler started producing at their Cheshire farm more than 20 years ago. Grab a cone from the converted-barn shop and take a seat under the shade of the copper beach tree in the cobbled yard. The farm’s deliciously simple clotted cream vanilla is the perfect match for its strawberries, or for extra bite go for the award-winning Jersey vanilla with honeycomb.
Where: Park Farm, Nantwich, Cheshire (01270 624830; www.snugburys.co.uk)

4. B Jannetta
So good is the gelato churned out at this parlour that Jannetta’s cones are regularly seen clutched in gloved hands during the harsh St Andrews winter. Bennett Jannetta opened the store 99 years ago and today his great-granddaughter, Nicola, makes a dazzling range of more than 50 ice creams, sorbets and frozen yoghurts. The vanilla, butterscotch and coffee flavours have won awards but locals swear by the Irn-Bru sorbet and liquorice ice cream.
Where: 31 South St, St Andrew’s, Fife (01334 473285; www.jannettas.co.uk)

5. Bettys
Although technically a tearoom, Bettys, set in the beautifully manicured 60-acre RHS gardens at Harlow Carr, is “a magnificent combination of delights and the best place to enjoy a summer sundae,” says Robin Weir. “The new brown bread sundae is made from their own caramelised wholemeal bread, as well as macaroons, pecans, toffee sauce, and a whipped-cream topping.” Bettys also has branches in York, Northallerton and Ilkley.
Where: Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate (01423 505604; www.bettys.co.uk)

6. Green Iscream
Attached to a beautiful old blue bicycle, this mobile ice-cream parlour rolled up at Islington Green in May. The partners Amanda and Judith’s organic offerings are “an exceptionally good treat,” says Caroline Stacey. Flavours include chocolate and rosemary, vanilla and melon sorbet, and strawberry with balsamic vinegar. “The sharpness of the vinegar really brings out the fruit flavour.” Open daily, weather permitting.
Where: Islington Green, London N1

7. Roskilly’s Farm
Set in beautiful grounds on Cornwall’s stunning Lizard Peninsula, Roskilly’s is a foodie’s paradise, and the farm is most famous for its range organic ice creams. Linda says: “My favourites are the chocolate and chilli, pineapple and chilli sorbet and their clotted-cream fudge and hokey pokey.” To see where it all comes from, watch the cows being milked every afternoon at 4.30pm.
Where: Tregellast Barton Farm, St Keverne, Helston, Cornwall (01326 280479; www.roskillys.co.uk)

8. Glaslyn Ices
Nestled alongside the river Glaslyn in the enchanting village of Beddgelert, Glaslyn Ices has filled the bellies of countless hikers, tourists and locals with its tiny range of specialty ice creams. The current selection is chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, rhubarb and, er, spinach and mushroom. Best take on three scoops if you plan to tackle Moel Hebog, the mountain that looms over the village.
Where: Beddgelert, Caernarfon, Gwynedd (01766 890339; www.glaslynices.co.uk)

9. Mauds, Northern Ireland
What started in a family-run grocery shop in Carnmoney near Belfast has in 25 years exploded into a lucrative chain with outlets across Northern Ireland and the Republic. But Mauds still uses locally-produced, fresh ingredients to whip up its range of more than 20 ice creams. Top seller by some distance is poor bear’s delight, a vanilla and honeycomb mix for which Mauds makes more than three tonnes of honeycomb every week.
Where: locations across Northern Ireland (028-9332 9988; www.mauds.co.uk)

10. Brymor Dairy
Made from the milk of the pedigree Guernsey cows that graze on the lush pastures of the Wensleydale Valley, Brian Moore’s range of more than 30 ice creams and delicious sundaes provide the perfect way to cool off after a romp across the Yorkshire Dales. As well as the classic vanilla, chocolate and coffee, there’s raspberry cheesecake and rhubarb, or extravagant ice- cream cakes decorated while you wait.
Where: High Jervaulx Farm, Masham (01677 460377; www.brymordairy.co.uk)

11. La Bottega del Gelato
On a sunny day you’ll be hard pushed to find a seat at one of the tables in this tiny shop, but who wants to sit inside eating a cone from La Bottega’s mouth-watering range of traditional Italian gelato when Hyde Park’s on the doorstep? Flavours to savour include fior de latte, a deliciously simple milk-only affair, or the more adventurous pink-and-yellow trifle concoction. There’s also an expresso machine for affogato.
Where: 127 Bayswater Rd, London W2 (020-7243 2443)

12. Minghella’s
The award-winning ice-cream maker Edward Minghella and his wife, Gloria, established their Yarmouth gelato empire in 1950 and have been selling ices to islanders ever since. Linda says they “have to be the best seaside treat. The goo goo, made with chocolate, fudge and marsh mallows, is a hit with kids.” There’s also a passion-fruit based Oscar celebration in honour of Edward’s son, The English Patient director Anthony Minghella.
Where: Yarmouth, Isle of Wight (01983 883545; www.minghella.co.uk)

13. Cadwaladers
Eighty years since husband-and-wife team Hannah and David opened the first outlet, Cadwaladers now boasts eight branches across Wales. It all started in Criccieth, a popular seaside town on Gwynedd’s picturesque Cardigan Bay. The store is quite simply, says Robin, “a proper ice cream parlour.” Don’t expect any exotic concoctions here – the Cadwaladers staples are vanilla and tried-and-tested flavours like chocolate, strawberry and coffee.
Where: Parc Amaeth, Llanystumdwy, Criccieth, Gwynedd (01766 523665; www.cadwaladersicecream.co.uk)

14. S Luca
In the late 19th century, Italian ice-cream sellers would walk Edinburgh’s streets, shouting, “Gelati, ecco un pocco” or “ice cream, here’s a little”. They became known as the “hokey pokey” men and the most successful went on to open parlours. Luca Scapaticci started selling his ice cream in an old Musselburgh fish shop in 1908 and his son, Tino, still runs the joint.
Where: 32-38 High St, Musselburgh, Edinburgh (0131- 665 2237, www.sluca. co.uk)

15. Granellis
This tiny family-run factory includes a mini-museum where you can check out grandfather Granelli’s ice cream machinery and the tricycle he used as early as 1890 to deliver his wares around the streets of Macclesfield. Grandson Peter now runs the parlour and his award-winning treacle town draws visitors from across the county. Grab a cornet and eat it on the bench outside.
Where: 74 Newton St, Macclesfield (01625 424391)

16. Häagen Dazs
The US behemoth Häagen Dazs churns out, in epic proportions, “the best commercial ice cream on the market,” says Robin. “Their flagship parlour in Leicester Square does a good job and churns out excellent ice cream and floats. Forget the fact that this is a global conglomerate – this is fun.”
Where: Häagen Dazs, 14 Leicester Sq, London WC2 and nationwide (www.haagen-dazs.co.uk)

17. Henley Ice Cream
In its 1930s heyday, the ice cream sold from this tudor building proved so popular the owners had to employ a uniformed steward to direct traffic on the jammed street outside. Flavours include old favourites, such as vanilla and coffee, as well as more exotic offerings, including ginger and lime, and lemon meringue.
Where: 152 High St, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire (01564 795172; www.henleyicecream.co.uk)

18. The Fruit Garden
Linda George attributes the intense flavour of her ice cream to the huge amounts of fresh fruit she adds from her pick-your-own farm. There are wrapped cones topped with fruit coulis to take away, and 150ml tubs packed with Linda’s best selling rasberry and rhubarb, goosberry and blueberry flavours.
Where: Groes Faen Rd, Peterston Super-Ely, Cardiff (01446 760358; www.fruitgarden.co.uk)

19. Cream O’Galloway
“I’ve been rather taken by the ice cream here,” says Henrietta. “They use natural ingredients and real flavours and do a fantastic organic range”. The farm’s own herd of Ayrshires produce the raw ingredient for the new parlour’s range of ices. Current best-sellers are vanilla, caramel shortbread and sticky toffee.
Where: Rainton Farm, Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet (01557 814040; www.creamogalloway.co.uk)

20. Harbour Bar
“A Fifties seafront café that glows with sunshine-yellow formica is spotlessly kept by the Alonzi family, who have run it for more than 60 years,” says Caroline. Their knickerbocker glories are something every child should try once; they’re almost tall enough for a toddler to climb into and delicious enough that they might try. They also have unfeasibly large cones”.
Where: 1 Sandside, Scarborough (01723 373662)

21. Lola’s on Ice
Lola’s psychedelically decorated, opera-playing, ice-cream van no longer does the rounds in north London, but it will roll up at your party or event, serving organic flavours such as star anise and saffron, and white chocolate, lavendar, horseradish and raspberry.

Where: anywhere within 40-miles of central London. Van hire from £200 for two hours, plus £3 per person for a double scoop (07871 797260; www.lolasonice.com)

22. Alder Carr Farm
Fresh fruit from this Suffolk pickyour- own, tearoom and deli makes up an impressive 30 per cent of Alder Carr’s ice cream, which it sells in little tubs or, during the fruit season, in take-away waffle cones. “It’s simply stunning,” says Henrietta. “They just use whipped cream, fruit and very little else. It’s as pure as the driven snow.”
Where: Creeting St Mary, Ipswich, Suffolk (01449 720820; www.alerdcarrfarm.co.uk)

23. The Hive on the Quay
The Holgates weighed anchor in Aberaeron 50 years ago with 200 beehives and plans to produce quality clover honey. The gooey delight soon found its way into the family’s homemade ice cream, which it still makes at the Hive. “Aberaeron has gorgeous views and an almost mediterranean bustle,” says Henrietta. “There a few nicer places to have an ice cream in a superb setting.” Highlights include coffee, and passionfruit.
Where: Cadwagan Place, Aberaeron, South Wales (01545 570445, www.hiveonthequay.co.uk)

24. Renaldo’s Italian Ices
Sylvio Galli inherited this traditional seaside parlour from his Italian-born grandparents almost 20 years ago and has been plying Ayshire’s ice-cream afficionados with classic gelati ever since. Sylvio and his wife scoop up 20 flavours from a changing menu of more than 50 ices made in a tiny factory behind the shop. Legend has it only Sylvio and his wife know the recipes, which include good old vanilla and a decadent chocolate.
Where: 98 Sandgate, Ayr, Ayrshire (01292 265956)

25. Chatsworth Café
“Chatsworth is not a Mr Whippy van sort of place,” says Caroline. Nor is it a dedicated ice cream parlour, but the estate, for 500 years the seat of the Duke of Cavendish, has a herd of Holstein cows that produce “notably good” ice cream, sold in the quaint surroundings of the farmyard café. “It’s a perfect place for a healthy family lunch where children can see all sorts of animals and feast on posh ice creams. There are carts in the park for a cone on the go.”
Where: Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire (01246 565 3000; www.chatsworth.org)

26. Oz Antepliler
This Turkish café makes delicious honey-laden baklava, but “they’re tops for ice cream, too,” says Caroline. “It’s made with mastic, which means it’s fantastically chewy. Choose from traditional flavours including chocolate, mint, pistacchio and lemon, all served in dinky glass bowls. The place looks the part and is as glitzy as anywhere across the Bosphoros.”
Where: 30-32 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 (020-7241 1514; www.ozantepliler.com)

27. George and Davis
Dismayed by the lack of decent ice cream amid the dreaming spires of Oxford, the US student George Stroup joined forces with his dog, Davis, to open his own parlour. Fifteen years on, G&D’s is a student institution. Stroup uses Jersey cream, eggs and cane sugar to create a range of bold flavours including their best-sellling Dime bar crunch and super chocolate. There’s also a “flavour petition book” for those who fancy whipping up something new.
Where: 55 Little Clarendon St, Oxford (01865 516652; www.gdcafe.com)

28. Verdi’s
A favourite among families, sundae-sharing couples and solar-powered grannies, this glassclad restaurant perched on Knab Rock has panoramic views over the Bay of Swansea and draws big summer crowds to its range of takeaway cones and tubs. A separate parlour is stocked with more than 30 traditional homemade flavours, as well as Kiwi sundaes, and a seriously naughty hazelnut basket with hot chocolate fudge sauce.
Where: Knab Rock, Mumbles, Swansea (01792 369135; www.verdis-café.co.uk)

29. University Café
Having worked all his life in the 90-year-old café he inherited from his Italian-born Grandparents, the owner Gino Verrechia reckons he was born with a silver scoop in his mouth. He still serves cones weighed down with boules of traditional flavours, including vanilla and chocolate chip to thousands of tourists and locals, who revel in the Edwardian tearoom-cum-1950s ice cream parlour feel of this Byres road institution. Closed Tuesdays.
Where: 27 Byres Rd, Glasglow (0141-336 5217)

30. Harrods Ice Cream Parlour
Hidden among the foie gras of Harrods’ famous food hall, this branch of the renowned Broadstairs gelateria does a roaring trade in “truly spectacular sundaes,” says Linda. “My daughter’s eyes popped out when she saw her Morelli’s Special – scoops of vanilla, chocolate and mint ice cream in a chocolate cup, topped with bananas and cream. It was so big she she had to stand on her chair to eat it.”
Where: Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Rd, London SW1 (020-7730 1234; www.harrods.com)

31. Minchella & Co
The award-winning ice-cream maker Michael Minchella has gelato in his blood. His Italian-born grandfather, Giuseppe, sold ices to parched Durham coal miners almost a 100 years ago and his father, Fred (Giuseppe’s son) opened this town-centre parlour in 1943. The store maintains a 1950s interior and has a line of traditional scoops and sundaes. Robin also recommends Michael’s “great milk shakes”.
Where: 11 Ocean Rd, South Shields (01914 561905; www.minchella.co.uk)

32. Fusciardi’s
Whipping up spectacular Italian gelato in the old Sea Houses area, Fusciardi’s is the best place to grab a cone in ice cream-obsessed Eastbourne. Owner Teresa Fusciardi says the top seller is a double-scoop cone of chocolate and honeycomb, while Robin recommends the “delicious” sundaes and creamy vanilla spilling over chocolate-dipped cones.
Where: 19-25 Carlisle Rd, Eastbourne, East Sussex (01323 728029)

33. Marine Ices
Established by Gaetano Mansi in 1931, this north London institution is “everything an ice cream parlour should be,” says Caroline. “I remember having a melon sorbet there as a child – sophisticated or what? Never having eaten anything more natural than a Zoom, I didn’t realise that ice cream could actually taste of fruit.”
Where: 8 Haverstock Hill, London NW3 (020-7482 9003; www.marineices.co.uk)

34. Café de Jaconelli
The art deco etching of a knickerbocker glory next to an ashtray and cigarette on the door should serve as a warning to organic food fanatics to stay away from this 80-year-old greasy spoon. It’s the perfect place to top off a traditional Glasgow fry-up with a glass of raspberry ripple or mint choc-chip.
Where: 570 Maryhill Rd, Glasgow (0141-946 1124)

35. Gelateria Danieli
“You can choose from a big range of flavours, which always includes a few seasonal specialities,” says Linda about this traditional parlour. “They also sell dairy, egg, and gluten-free ices. It’s well worth standing in the queue that often snakes out of the door, and for extra indulgence, order an ice-cream cake.”
Where: 16 Brewer’s Lane, Richmondupon- Thames, Surrey (020-8439 9807; www.gelateriadanieli.com)

36. Honiton Dairy
Linda says: “Robert Harris makes all his own ice cream using local Devon clotted cream. The parlour is ultraclean and sparkly, and there are chairs outside by the giant ice-cream cones. Harris sells a huge range, but this summer the new favourites are hazelnut praline, Donatella roche (think of the ambassador’s favourite chocolate), and apple pie. There’s also raspberry pavlova, strawberry cheesecake, and English trifle.”
Where: 60 High St, Honiton, Devon (01404 42075)

37. Patisserie Valerie
The East End branch of this chain of posh patisseries does a fine line in traditional gelato, served from a takeaway window. “It’s smooth, delicately flavoured and light – a complete contrast to US varieties,” says Linda. “I love the strawberry and pistachio but the Picasso is my current favourite.”
Where: 37 Brushfield St, Spitalfields, London E1 (020-7247 4906; www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk)

38. Equi’s
Robin says: “This is my number-one favourite ice-cream parlour in Britain. The Ice Cream Alliance last year voted David Equi, who owns the place and makes all his own ice cream, “Champion of Champions”. Try his best-selling double cream vanilla – always the best test of a good ice cream maker.”
Where: 9-11 Burnbank Rd, Hamilton, Lanarkshire (01698 282494; www.equi.demon.co.uk)

39. Abbot Lodge Jersey Ice Cream
With its adventure playground and ride-on tractor circuit, the farm makes the perfect site for a family day out, but the main attraction is its traditional range of deliciously dense ice cream, which owner Claire Bland makes every day using fresh milk from the Jerseys.
Where: Clifton, Nr Penrith, Cumbria (01931 712720; www.abbottlodgejerseyicecream. co.uk)

40. Salcombe Dairy Factory Shop
Kevin Lapthorne has been selling superb ice cream to the well-heeled Salcombe people for 25 years and to celebrate he has just refurbished his quaint seaside store. Caroline says: “I love eating here. It makes such a difference when ice cream is made with cream from cows in the next door field.” Lapthorne’s biggest seller is vanilla laced with brittle chunks of honeycomb made by local bees.
Where: Shadycombe Rd, Salcombe, Devon (01548 843228).

41. Noura
This rapidly expanding, ice-cool chain of Lebanese restaurants couldn’t be further from the chintzy formica-andchrome parlour stereotype, but, for a break from mint choc-chip and raspberry ripple, try one of its outstanding ice cream desserts. Delicate yet dense and creamy offerings include milk and orange blossom, mango, pistachio, rose-water and lemon and ashta, a Lebanese clotted cream.
Where: 16 Hobart Place, London SW1 (020-7235 9444; www.noura.co.uk)

42. Queens Cafe
On a sunny summer’s day people from all over Scotland queue down the street to get a taste of David Ginesi’s Italian ice cream, which has been sold at this art deco parlour for more than 100 years. Ginesi claims to be only the fourth person to know the exact recipe for Queens’ trademark blend of full cream milk, fresh cream, sugar and vanilla, plus one secret ingredient.
Where: 515 Victoria Rd, Glasgow (0141-423 2409)

43. Rossi’s Ices
This traditional Italian gelateria wouldn’t look out of place in Rome, which is where founder Fioravanti Figliolini learned his trade before arriving in Dorset in the 1920s. Free from additives, Rossi’s ices come in traditional flavours including chocolate, raspberry and coffee, which is exactly what visitors like.
Where: 92 The Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset (01305 785557; www.rossisicecreamparlour. co.uk

44. Ludlow Food Centre

This brand new £2.5m temple to local produce is stacked to the rafters with wholesome fresh produce sourced from organic farms in the four counties surrounding Ludlow and includes some seriously good ice cream sold in tubs and cones. “The shop is extraordinary and does a fantastically pure yet rich old-fashioned vanilla,” says Henrietta.

46. Armadeli
On any given day you can choose from more than 40 seasonal flavours – from pavlova to mandarin cheesecake – all of it made using pure ingredients including fresh fruit from local farms. There’s a viewing window on to the parlour floor for the nosy.
Where: 19 Bridge St, Llanfaes Brecon, Powys, Wales (01874 625892; www.llanfaesdairy.net)

47. Shepherds
“If you’ve never tasted sheep’s milk ice cream, beat a path to Shepherds,” says Robin. Caroline “adores” the place. “It sounds ridiculous to say ice cream is melt-in-the-mouth, because that’s what it does, but sheep’s milk is lighter than cow’s milk and somehow makes for a more refreshing ice cream. I love damson when it’s in season.”
Where: 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye, Powys (01981 550716; www.shepherdsicecream.co.uk)

48. Brucciani’s
With its oak panelling, pink mirrors, chrome window frames and bakelite fittings, this 1930s parlour is as much a shrine to art deco styling as it is to traditional Italian gelato. For more than 50 years, Bruno and Gloria Brucciani have served up classic confections to locals and tourists at formica-topped tables overlooking the hills of the Lake District. Old favourites include strawberry, lemon and toffee crunch, and the sundaes are delicious.
Where: 214 Marine Rd, Morecambe, Lancashire (01524 421386)

49. Morelli’s
Founded 75 years ago by Mario Morelli on the coast at beautiful Broadstairs, this traditional parlour has expanded in recent years to include outlets in Harrods, Selfridges in Birmingham, and even Kuwait. New this Summer is an Asian platter bursting with oriental gelatos such as lychee, mango and coconut. Give them a day’s notice and they’ll whip up a bespoke treat, be it Pimm’s sorbetto, cucumber gelato or a refreshing lemonade sorbet.
Where: 14 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent (01843 862500; www.morellisgelato.com)

50. Colpi’s
Rudi Colpi, a second generation Italian, has been making ice cream since he was knee-high to a freezer cabinet and inherited this Clydebank parlour from his father, who opened it almost 80 years ago. Colpi eschews the powdered milk used by lesser gelaterias in favour of the real thing, which he turns into old fashioned blends including amaretti and a classic white ice cream. New contenders include honeycomb and chocolate chip.
Where: 38 Main St, Milngavie, Glasgow (0141-956 2040)