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Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
It's official: This is the UK's best ice cream shop – we visited to see if it's worth the hype
Plus, The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski tried the new viral Dubai chocolate ice cream served at a top London attraction FIRST SCOOP It's official: This is the UK's best ice cream shop – we visited to see if it's worth the hype Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COMING from Devon and growing up on a seaside diet, I like to think I'm somewhat of an ice cream connoisseur. And last year, after I discovered Anya Hindmarch's quirky ice cream pop up in London - and it has beaten even my favourite beach spots from my childhood. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 A London ice cream parlour has just been named the best by The Times Credit: Cyann Fielding 5 Located on Pavilion Road in Chelsea, London, I headed there to see if it is worth the hype Credit: Alamy Ice Cream Union in Chelsea, London, was named the UK's best ice cream parlour by The Times. It is known for creating some of the best ice creams in the country and supplying them to top chefs and restaurants all over the UK. But nothing quite beats going into an ice cream parlour to test them straight from the tub. Located on Pavilion Road, just off of Sloane Square, the parlour boasts a wide variety of flavours that change each day (and sometimes more than once during the day) - so don't go with your heart set on a flavour to try! As the menu rotates, you could keep going back and be greeted with a whole array of new flavours to explore. I tried three different flavours on my visit and first up was one of Ice Cream Union's seasonal offerings - yoghurt and berries. Speaking with staff at the parlour, they said this was quickly becoming a customer favorite - so of course I had to try it. Whilst I personally find yoghurt and berries a bit boring, it was interesting to try as an ice cream. Certainly the most refreshing of the three, unlike cream, the yoghurt gave a more sour bite which helped to make it less decadent than your usual clotted cream-style flavours. The ice cream has actual berries in it too, which honestly made it feel as if it has just been made. Dubai Ice Cream Whilst not my favourite, I was pleasantly surprised. 7/10. Next up was Monmouth Coffee. For coffee fans (and especially Londoners) Monmouth Coffee is one of the most popular coffee places in the city. Each time I walk past their shop in Seven Dials, there is a long queue out the door. This ice cream had the exact taste of Monmouth Coffee - which pleasantly surprised me. It is stronger and a bit more bitter than the usual coffee taste you get with other coffee ice creams, cakes or even frappes - so deffo a good choice for those wanting a cool caffeine hit. A solid 8/10. The final flavour I tried was Cornflakes. 5 I tested three flavours: yoghurt and berries, Monmouth coffee and cornflakes Credit: Instagram / @icecreamunion Growing up, cornflakes were always the cereal that stayed in the back of the cupboard and that you would reach for when all other breakfast options had run dry. To me, it was a boring thing for breakfast and I often enjoy the slightly sweet cereal milk after eating the cornflakes more than the actual cornflakes. This was this ice cream - a scoop of childhood memories in a cup. This was by far my favourite of the three and I could easily see why this flavour is loved by so many - it is a real comfort flavour. Easily a 10/10 for me and most likely my favourite ice cream to date. Admittedly it isn't cheap - costing £5.50 per small cup or cone, or £7 per cone or cup. I opted for the small cups, which was plenty of ice cream in my opinion, and I did think each were worth it, as you can tell quality ingredients have been used. The menu has a whole array of other flavours too, including chestnut (another seasonal flavour), blood orange sorbet, chocolate and brownies and coconut choc chip. 5 The ice cream isn't cheap though at £5.50 for a small cone or cup Credit: Cyann Fielding Sadly when I visited, some quirky flavours I really wanted a taste of weren't on the menu for that day, such as Pimm's and Aperol Spritz. But I will certainly be back to try. Ice Cream Union also has a factory in Bermondsey that is open on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. If heading to the Chelsea ice cream parlour, make sure to also explore Pavilion Road. Hidden behind Sloane Square and just steps away from the bustling King's Road, Pavilion Road is very pretty and full of cute independent shops. In particular, make sure to head to the London Cheesemongers and Papersmiths stationery shop. New viral Dubai chocolate ice cream served at a top London attraction THE Sun's Sophie Swietochowski tried out the new viral Dubai chocolate ice cream served at a top London attraction - here's what she thought. So many foods have hopped on the viral Dubai chocolate trend in the past few months - and I tried out the most recent one. This time at London's Borough Market, served in ice cream form. After clocking the gelato treat on social media - several chocolate-y scoops dripping in lashings of pistachio sauce and served in a pistachio-rimmed cone - I couldn't resist giving it a try. The treat hails from a small cafe, Gelateria 3Bis, at the edge of the market, which also sells flakey pastries and baked goods. Behind the counter were neat slices of apple and almond tart, slathered in a shiny glaze (£3.50); wedges of a crumbly looking walnut tart (also £3.50); and stacks of cannolis with thick ricotta filling oozing out of each case (£2). I practically drooled as the lady leaned into the metal tub to scoop the chocolate-y mixture into my cone, waiting for the pistachio magic to happen. But then, nothing. That was it - and a rather naked-looking gelato was handed over to me. Where was my pistachio sauce? Where were the sprinkles I'd seen decadently splashed over the top? And, more importantly, where was the pistachio and filo filling that makes Dubai chocolate what it is? After shelling out a staggering £6.50, I walked away realising that this was a classic case of Insta vs reality trickery. A Sun reporter also tried the UK's wackiest ice cream flavours from pickled onion to Bisto. Plus, the affordable British seaside town with one of the UK's best ice cream parlours.
Time Out
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This London ice cream parlour has just been named the best in the UK
It's hot! Again! And there's nothing better in a heatwave than a big old serving of ice cream (or a cold pint in a beer garden, but that's slightly less child-friendly). If you're wondering where to score your summer scoop, then you could do worse than visit the London ice cream parlour that has just been named the best in the UK by Times. Ice Cream Union – which has branches in Sloane Square and Bermondsey – has been branded 'London's best-kept secret' by the paper. 'For 18 years it has been whipping up ice cream and sorbets for some of the city's favourite restaurants, from the Michelin-starred Trinity in Clapham to Fortnum & Mason,' the paper wrote. Ice Cream Union offers over 50 flavours, and you can try them every day of the week at the Sloane Square branch, or on Saturdays at their Spa Terminus, Bermondsey factory, which is, tantalisingly, only open to the public one day a week. Flavours include banana split, mango sorbet, raspberry ripple, lemon pie, and fittingly for Wimbledon season, Pimm's. Ice Cream Union prides itself on making its own nut pastes, fruit juices, ripple sauces, and honeycomb. Other London locations tipped in the 41-strong list of the UK's best ice cream spots include Islington's The Dreamery, Brockley's Sundae, Herne Hill's Minus 12 Degrees, Gelateria 3BIS in Borough and Notting Hill, Soft & Swirly in Hackney, and Gelupo in Soho.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The best ice cream parlours in the UK, according to a top food critic
The hottest day of the year this week - which had Brits sweltering in temperatures that had sunseekers basked in searing 34.7C across some parts - signalled that summer well and truly is here. Many across the UK will be getting their shades, SPF and portable fans out to deal with the scorching heat - but there's nothing better to cool down with than a tasty, sugary ice cream, and here, a travel writer has shared her favourite parlours across the country. A Mr Whippy and Calippo can do the job just fine, but some days call for a proper vendor that delivers on both creaminess and flavour. Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh. The expert, who is also the host of What Chefs Want on Channel 4 in Singapore, unveiled the best places to go for; and there's something for everyone, whether you're after a classic gelato or an experimental foodie concoction. Top of the list is Chelsea and Bermondsey based Ice Cream Union, where Renae reccomends the Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple. Elsewhere, she is also fond of the Espresso Martini flavour at Moomaid of Zennor in Cornwall. And for those further up north, the pro praised Brucciani's - a Morecambe Bay staple... Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh. Pictured, Mary's Milk Bar in Edinburgh 1. Ice Cream Union – Chelsea & Bermondsey Small-batch kings with a cult following in the chef world. They treat ice cream like fine dining, everything's handcrafted with freaky precision. Renae's pick of flavour: Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple and chocolate-coated biscuit chunks. Like a luxury McVitie's in gelato form. 2. The Dreamery – Islington A whimsical wine bar meets boutique gelato lab. Expect fig leaf sorbet, oolong & prune, and the sexiest scoops served in vintage silver bowls. Renae's pick of flavour: Pear & verjus sorbet, bright, tart, elegant. Very 'London with a secret' 3. Chin Chin Dessert Club – Soho & Camden Nitro-frozen theatre with a mad flavour lab twist. Think Michelin dessert meets street snack. Renae's pick of flavour: Burnt butter caramel with truffle crumble and pandan whipped cream. It's a full-sensory sugar trip. 4. Oddono's Gelaton – Multiple London Locations Proper Italian gelato made fresh daily, using natural ingredients and zero fuss. A London mainstay for good reason. Renae's pick of flavour: Pistachio. No gimmicks, just textbook perfection. 5. Happy Endings – Bow + stockists The UK's reigning queen of ice cream sandwiches. A little naughty, very nice. Renae's pick of flavour: The Malty One, malted parfait, oaty biscuits, magic malt crumb, dipped in luxe milk choc. Pure filth. 6. Bilmonte – Soho Boutique gelateria with a love for texture and experts of the slow melt (perfect for hot days). Italian heart, Soho soul. Renae's pick of flavour: Milk chocolate, old school done the right way. 7. Swoon Gelato – Bristol, Bath, Oxford Award-winning, artisan gelato that's all about creamy elegance and seasonal creativity. Renae's pick of flavour: Amarena Cherry Cheesecake. Tart, sweet, decadent, dangerously addictive. 8. Jack's Gelato – Cambridge Micro-batch madness. The menu changes constantly, and every flavour is a conversation starter. Renae's pick of flavour: Miso Blondie. Or Passionfruit & Gochujang Sorbet if you're feeling chaotic. 9. Gelato Gusto – Brighton BAFTA-winning founder turned gelato obsessive. Now focusing on wholesale, but you can still score a scoop of greatness in Brighton. Renae's pick of flavour: Truffle & honey, fancy but friendly. Farm-made ice cream with ocean views and Cornish sass. Renae's pick of flavour: Espresso Martini. Not for kids, and that's the point. 11. Morelli's Gelato – Broadstairs Gelato since 1932. Think marble counters, pastel sundaes, and heritage scooping. Renae's pick of flavour: Kilimanjaro Coffee, like espresso but sexier. 12. The Ice Cream Farm – Tattenhall, Cheshire Theme-park energy with proper dairy credentials. Great for kids, nostalgic for adults. Renae's pick of flavour: Whatever's made that morning from their own herd, usually divine. 13. Snugburys – Cheshire Three sisters, one barn, 300k scoops a year. Local legend status. Renae's pick of flavour: Raspberry Pavlova. Summer in a scoop. 14. Snowflake Gelato – London Artisan gelato using Jersey milk and Michelin-grade ingredients like Valrhona chocolate. Renae's pick of flavour: Raspberry Sorbetto. Supreme Taste Award-winner, and you'll see why. 15. Mary's Milk Bar – Edinburgh Gelato made daily by Mary, who trained in Bologna. Rotating flavours. No repeats. Renae's pick of flavour: The Spaghetti Sundae, just trust me. 16. Alandas Gelato – Edinburgh Award-winning Scottish-Italian scoop shop using East Lothian dairy. Renae's pick of flavour: Whisky Caramel. You're in Edinburgh, when in Rome… 17. Parisella's – Llandudno, North Wales Proper seaside parlour since the '50s. Classic cones and nostalgia by the scoop. Banoffee. Tastes like childhood. 18. Brucciani's – Morecambe Bay Art Deco darling of the north. Go for the design, stay for the knickerbocker glories. Seventy five years and counting. Estuary views, homemade scoops, and major retro charm. Vegan soft-serve made from almonds and cashews that gives full-fat Mr Whippy energy.
Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
The 41 best places for ice cream in the UK
Everyone knows the best way to finish a day by the seaside or an afternoon picnic is with an ice cream. Nobody knows this more than Iona and Rob Gore, who make Brickell's — some of the finest scoops in Britain, crafted with all-natural ingredients and milk from the family farm in Westcombe, Somerset. They have some simple guidelines on how to find top quality ice cream, from texture — 'If it's really easy to serve and not melting then there is probably a lot of air and stabilisers in there' — to flavour: 'Look for any references to ingredient origin on the menu, as this will be a good indicator that they think carefully about their sourcing.' From retro parlours on the south coast to award-winning gelaterias in south London, these are our favourite ice cream shops in the UK. London 1. Ice Cream Union, Chelsea and Bermondsey Whisper it: Ice Cream Union is London's best-kept secret. For 18 years it has been whipping up ice cream and sorbets for some of the city's favourite restaurants, from the Michelin-starred Trinity in Clapham to Fortnum & Mason. Now it has two shops where you can try its 50-plus flavours yourself — one in Sloane Square, open seven days a week, and another in Bermondsey, open on Saturdays. 2. The Dreamery, Islington A parlour founded on a simple concept: ice cream is best served with wine. Since going viral on TikTok, this bar has had queues going out of the door for its pairings. There are always six scoops on the menu (past flavours have included oolong and prune, croissant, and mint chocolate chip) plus changing sauces and a small wine list. 3. Sundae, Brockley All the gelato at this parlour is churned in batches in the kitchen out the back. It might be small, but the flavours are a big deal: summer berry cheesecake, Guinness, dark chocolate and orange, and (my favourite) fig and mascarpone, which appears some weeks as a special. @sundaegelato 4. Minus 12 Degrees, Herne Hill Locals will groan that their neighbourhood favourite has been revealed, but it's well worth the trip to south London. Expect homemade gelato and sorbets, weekly specials such as chocolate, pistachio and kataifi, and tubs you can take home for your freezer. 5. Fink's, north London There are two things you have to try when visiting a branch of Fink's: the chunky ice cream sandos and cups of velvety soft-serve. Flavours of the former include chocolate, cherry and pistachio and peanut butter caramel, while my favourite soft-serve comes with rhubarb and vanilla sauce. 6. Nardulli, Clapham If you are patient enough to wait out the queues that form at this gelateria, you will understand why people line up day in, day out for the scoops here. Think classic flavours made using traditional Italian recipes. 7. Big Kid Ice Cream, Soho ALAMY 8. Gelateria 3BIS, Borough Market and Notting Hill At two central London shops you'll find deliciously authentic Italian gelato, which you can watch them whip up using traditional equipment through the window. 9. Soft & Swirly, Hackney There are lots of reasons to visit the E5 Bakehouse, but the fact that Soft & Swirly now has a permanent hatch there is arguably number one. Go for the soft scoop (rhubarb and cream cheese is heavenly) and stay for sundaes, sorbets and ice cream cakes. @soft_n_swirly 10. Le Chocolat, King's Cross If ice cream could win Michelin stars, French chef Alain Ducasse (who has 21) would get one for the gelato served at his chocolate shop. Buy a cup or cone of Peruvian chocolate or bread-flavoured gelato to eat while you browse the shelves stacked with his luxury chocolates. 11. Maison Pierre Marcolini, Marylebone Made-to-order ice cream is worth trying just for the science. In one minute, using the latest turbine tech, the chefs here whip up ice cream that's soft, smooth and tastes amazing. ALAMY 12. Gelupo, Soho When Londoners think of gelato, they think of Gelupo — chef Jacob Kenedy's much loved gelateria that serves unusual scoops such as strawberry Eton mess, rice pudding, and chocolate, Earl Grey and biscuits. 13. Birley Bakery, Chelsea The handmade ice creams are exceptional (look out for rose), but you can't miss the sorbets either — in particular the citrus and herbs flavour, a refreshing blend of lime, lemon and orange juice with mint, coriander and parsley. 14. Fabulous Ice Fires, East Dulwich The outside of this gelateria is fairly unassuming, but inside you'll find some of the best scoops in the world. Yes, really. The award-winning gelato — made by a local hero, Taseer Ahmad — has picked up prizes around the globe. @fabicefires Scotland ALAMY 15. Nardini Cafe, Largs, North Ayrshire If you're after nostalgia go to Nardini's, which has been serving ice cream made with Scottish milk and double cream since 1935. 16. Aunty Betty's, Aberdeenshire On the promenade in Stonehaven, this shoreside ice cream and sweet shop is a wee local gem. Don't miss the homemade cakes either. 17. Alandas Gelato, Edinburgh and North Berwick This award-winning Italian gelato is freshly made each morning with natural ingredients, including East Lothian milk and cream. Flavours include apple strudel, Belgian milk chocolate and indulgent chocolate fudge brownie. Southwest ALAMY 18. Rossi's Ices, Weymouth, Dorset Run by the same family since 1937, this beachfront ice cream parlour is full of nostalgia. Scoops are served in kitsch little glass bowls, or drizzled with strawberry sauce on a takeaway tray. If you have time to sit in, try the famous banana split. 19. Brickell's Scoop Hut, Bath If you love ice cream, you'll surely have bought a tub of Somerset's famous all-natural ice cream from Brickell's. Now it has a scoop hut in Bath serving all its flavours, including homegrown mint choc chip, roasted strawberries, ricotta stracciatella and — new for this summer — black bee honey. 20. Little Knuckles, Bristol Sold from a hatch at Sonny Stores, Bristol's Italian neighbourhood spot, ice creams from Little Knuckles include flavours such as vanilla, honey and toasted almonds, or salted focaccia and butterscotch. You can even take out an ice cream subscription. 21. Moomaid of Zennor, St Ives, Cornwall Explore the side streets of St Ives and it won't be long before you come across this luxury little shop. The ice cream is made on the family farm in Zennor and served at this parlour, plus three others in Cornwall. 22. Jelbert's, Newlyn, Cornwall There's just one thing you go to Jelbert's for: the traditional Cornish vanilla ice cream, served with a dollop of clotted cream and a Flake. It's the only flavour on the menu, yet this family-owned business has been a must-visit for generations. @jelbertsicecream 23. Callestick Parlour, near Truro, Cornwall There are lots of reasons to visit Callestick Farm in central Cornwall, but the most common is to try the ice cream — made at the parlour using milk from their own grass-fed dairy herd. 24. Roskilly's, Helston, Cornwall This beautiful organic Jersey farm on the southern tip of Cornwall doubles as a campsite and music venue, but it also makes some of the finest ice cream in Cornwall. ALAMY 25. Surfing Cow Gelato, Plymouth Don't worry — no cows were asked to get on a boogie board to make this ice cream. Instead, what you'll find is luxury, award-winning gelato made with Jersey-cross cows who graze in fields on the south Devon coast. Southeast @GELATOFAMOSO/INSTAGRAM 26. Gelato Famoso, Eastbourne, East Sussex A trip to Eastbourne's seafront means an essential stop-off at Gelato Famoso, which serves cones of Italian ice cream as well as sundaes and waffles to be enjoyed shoreside. ALAMY 27. Morelli's Gelato, Broadstairs, Kent Welcome to one of the grandest gelaterias in Britain. With its art deco interior, singing retro jukebox and fabulous choice of ice creams, it's no surprise this shop was used to film The Lady in the Van and an episode of Doctor Who. There is another branch in Whitstable. ALAMY 28. Marrocco's, Brighton You can't visit Brighton and not pop into the family-run Marrocco's. It's become an institution since it opened in 1969. Order one of the ice cream sandwiches or sundaes and eat it on Hove seafront. Midlands 29. Henley Ice Cream, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire Made on local farms using milk from their own dairy herd, Henley's ice cream comes in more than 50 flavours — and it's been served for 91 years. Wales 30. Two Islands, Abersoch The small-batch ice cream on the menu is seasonal (everything is made on site using milk from Welsh cows) which means there is always something new and interesting to enjoy. Don't miss the raspberry ripple. ALAMY 31. Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour, north Wales There are four Red Boat parlours in Wales, but the original — in a medieval grade II listed building in the seaside town of Beaumaris, on Anglesey — is by far my favourite. It's the perfect way to recover from the journey, with the best ice creams on the island. 32. Joe's, Mumbles, Swansea Ask locals where to get ice cream in Mumbles and they'll all say Joe's. Go in for a quick cone or sundae, or plan ahead for one of its legendary ice cream cakes. There are three more shops in Swansea and another in Cardiff. 33. The Ice Cream Shop, Abergavenny You might recognise the green and cream Shepherds ice cream van from the summer festival circuit. Now they've opened a shop where you can buy irresistible tubs, cones and ice cream cakes. 34. Honey Ice Cream, Aberaeron The Hive café is home to Cardigan's Honey Ice Cream, including its famous honey salted caramel and honey chocolate flavours. ALAMY 35. Parisella's, Llandudno Just outside Llandudno, you'll find this retro cafeteria — one of four Parisella's outposts, plus there's a van. It has been serving Welsh ice cream since the Fifties. ALAMY 36. Verdi's, Mumbles, Swansea You can't beat Verdi's for its seaside atmosphere. This quayside Italian parlour has up to 30 flavours to choose from and unrivalled sunset views. Northwest 37. Brucciani, Morecambe, Lancashire Italian Bruno Brucciani opened this art deco ice cream parlour in the Thirties. Nearly a century later, it's still serving up its famous knickerbocker glory. @brucciani_of_morecambe ALAMY 38. Nicholls, Parkgate, Cheshire You won't get a more retro parlour than Nicholls of Parkgate, which has been making ice cream overlooking the Dee Estuary for 75 years. East coast 39. Harris & James, Aldeburgh, Suffolk The gelato served at this classic seaside parlour is so good it's been known to temporarily reduce customers to silence. Order the Jaffa Cake flavour or Bakewell tart gelato. They have five more shops in Suffolk and Norfolk. ALAMY 40. Minchella & Co, South Shields, Tyne and Wear The Minchellas have been manufacturing top quality ice cream on the northeast coast since 1942, so it's no surprise they've won awards for their scoops. Don't miss the pistachio. Northern Ireland @GRAHAMSICECREAMDROMORE 41. Graham's Ice Cream, Newcastle, Co Down This vintage parlour is family-run, a local favourite and serves dozens of flavours — but the classic vanilla is hard to beat. @grahamsicecream Life & Style Food & Drink Related articles Wine and ice cream, the unlikely pairing that has Gen Z going wild March 30 2025, 5.00pm Lucy Holden BEST BEACHES 2023 Ten of the UK's tastiest ice-cream shops by the sea July 18 2023, 12.01am Qin Xie PROMOTED CONTENT
