02-07-2025
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.
