Where to find the best ice cream in Glasgow this summer

The Herald Scotland

a day ago

With fingers crossed for more sunny weather to come, here's our pick of the best spots for ice cream in Glasgow.
Peacock's
62 Battlefield Road
At Peacock's in the city's Southside, it's all about North American-inspired ice cream, which means plenty of funky flavours and additions like liquorice swirls, chocolate brownies or salty pretzel pieces.
The business originally started as a lockdown hobby for owner Jennifer Clapp, but there's been no stopping her since the first batch of her 'Ode to Pollokshields' made with sweet honey mangoes melted the hearts of ice cream lovers across the city.
Read our full interview from last year, following the opening of her first shop, here: What sets North American ice cream apart from gelato? Find out at new city scoop shop
Olivia's
344 Crow Road
This colourful little spot in Broomhill has had a bit of a makeover in recent months, with the focus shifted towards light lunches and afternoon teas.
Fans of their ice cream shouldn't worry, however, as a selection of waffle cones, tubs, and sundaes is still very much on the menu.
Choose from the likes of raspberry ripple, mint chocolate chip or a classic vanilla - and don't forget the sprinkles.
Read more:
Nowita
51 Hyndland Street
Nowita's small batch ice cream is made in their Glasgow kitchen with only the best of ingredients.
You'll find no artificial colours or flavourings on the menu, just a range of winning combinations like lemon and Italian meringue, chocolate and honeycomb or vegan-friendly peanut butter and jam.
Keep an eye out for sundae specials made all the more delicious by the additions of freshly whipped cream, sprinkles, homemade hot fudge, and a cherry on top.
Loop & Scoop
665 Great Western Road
The signature serve from this multi-award-winning shop is a sight to behold, with two gelato scoops nestled into a striped orange tub and finished with a supersized glazed churro arch.
If that's not your style, you can also choose from churro cups, milkshakes, gelato cakes, churro bites, or dipping churros to satisfy your sugary cravings.
Loop and Scoop's gelato is made in small batches at their HQ in Kinning Park, and the team also operates a Southside outlet at 515-517 Victoria Road.
La Gelatessa
38 Nithsdale Road
The queues that form at this pastel-toned shop on Nithsdale Road as soon as the sun shines over Glasgow are a testament to just how incredible their homemade Italian gelato tastes.
The salted pistachio and cinnamon brown butter are said to be the team's best-selling flavours, but you'll often encounter a wildcard like Nonna's Trifle or coconut rice pudding on a menu that's updated daily.
Read more: La Gelatessa, Glasgow. Ron Mackenna's review
Ginesi's Artisan Gelato
455 Victoria Road
What could be better than a summer stroll around Queen's Park with a tub of homemade gelato?
Though they've recently relocated a short distance away from their old Victoria Road shop, this place is still going strong, serving some of the best ice cream available in the city.
They also have an impressive range of vegan flavours to choose from, meaning that no one misses out on the fun.
University Cafe
87 Byres Road
This beloved old school cafe has been serving the local area with sunny day scoops since the 1950s.
Flavours of homemade Verrecchia's ice cream range from Lotus Biscoff to very cherry and are best enjoyed with a drizzle of sticky strawberry sauce.
If you're lacking a sweet tooth, why not consider following in the footsteps of the late great chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain, like I did earlier this year, instead?
Read more: I followed in Anthony Bourdain's footsteps at the University Cafe 10 years later