No matter the time of year, savouring a scoop of delicious ice cream is always a great idea. Here's where to find the best of the best in London.
When you live in one of the wettest cities in the world, the idea of giving ice cream a designated season just doesn't make sense. London is an incredibly generous place when it comes to the range of food it provides its inhabitants and tourists and it's equally as proud of its ice cream options. From the classic Mr. Whippy to designated stores dedicated to serving innovative flavours with some suited to more of an acquired taste, ice cream isn't just a summer treat anymore, but a whole experience. So grab a cone and tuck into our list of the best ice-cream in London.
Chin Chin Labs
49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
A portion of ice cream with a side of liquid nitrogen please!....No, don't be alarmed, it's perfectly safe. Chin Chin's is known to think a little outside of the box, from their flavours to their preparation they serve full on ice cream madness. Goggle in awe as your ice cream is prepared directly in front of you and choose from a selection of crazy concoctions from brûleed sweetcorn to tonka-bean ice cream. There are ice cream sandwiches and blue-corn waffle tacos, your classic favourites (for those who don't fancy stepping outside of the box this time) and vegan options so everyone can enjoy!
If this dessert madness isn't enough, you can also buy some of their ingredients in store and online to pimp up your own Sundaes at home. No matter what you decide, grabbing a sweet bite at Chin Chins is a cream come true!
Gelupo
7 Archer St, London W1D 7AU
Looking for a scoop of sensational artisan gelato? You'll find now better in London than at Gelupo's! Owned by the acclaimed team that run the Italian restaurant Bocca Di Lupo, expect nothing short of rich, fresh, deep and fruity flavours transporting you through variouis provinces of Italy. This secret Soho gem changes it's flavours regularly, making it fun to frequent and the menu remains pretty succinct (with a couple of vegan choices available too) making decisions easier. Their February menu is packed with delights from Setteveli (chocolate, hazelnut, praline crunch, dark chocolate ripple) and Bonet (dark chocolate, coffee, rum, caramel, amaretti) to classics such as Pistachio and Ricotta Sour Cherry (made from 100% Sardinian Sheep's Milk). If you're unsure you can take a number at the door and try before you buy, best yet, on weekends they're open until 12am, perfect for a midnight snack...
Mamason's Dirty Ice Cream
KENTISH TOWN: 91 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 8NY
CHINATOWN: 32 Newport Court, Chinatown, London WC2H 7PQ
WESTFIELD: Westfield London Kiosk, 1018B, Ariel Way, London W12 7GF
Did you know that there are only three Filipino ice cream parlours in Europe? Thankfully they're all in London and belong to the same group: Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream!
The term 'dirty ice cream' is the nickname used to describe the ice cream that is sold on the streets of Manila, known for being affordable, delicious and produced only using ice, salt, a steel pot and a sturdy pair of hands. Whilst you won't find your generic flavours here, what you will find is Filipino flavours packaged in a sumptuous milk bun (that can be served hot too!). Think Ube (a vibrant purple yam) and Milo (a delicious chocolate malt) alongside black buko (black coconut). There's an option to have your ice cream in a cone if you're not partial to trying it in a bun.
Ruby Violet
3 Wharf Rd, London N1C 4BZ
Named after the grandmother of founder, Julie Fisher, Ruby Violet is a haven for handmade gelati. Born from nostalgia and a love of the sweet stuff, this qwuaint parlour serves an array of traditional and modern flavours that are bound to have your tastebuds tingling, in a good way, of course. Made with organic milk, free range eggs and ethically sourced ingredients; Ruby's has you feeling good whilst eating good. And the fun doesn't stop there. Tuck into their menu by sampling everying from raspberry to matcha. If you can't choose, opt for the 6 scoops for £15 deal. And the icing on the cake (quite literally) are the amazing ice -cream themed treats you can purcahse either in store or online, from sorbet flowers to personalised ice cream bombs!
Scoops start from £4 and are worth every penny.
Milk Train
12 Tavistock St, London WC2E 7NY
This café is every bit as photogenic as its menu is delicious. It's home to the UK's first candy floss ice cream cones, milkshakes and ice cream pints taking you on a Milk Train journey that is entirely inspired by travel! Milk Train takes soft-serve ice cream to a whole new level. As well as the usual flavours you can also tuck into some inventive ones such as tangy yuzu or matcha. If there's nothing on the menu that you fancy in particular why not take the plunge and create your own ice creams with a creamy base mixed with different extras.
Combine the delicious desserts with the equally saccharine interiors and you have an Instagram post made in heaven.