From classic favourites to avant-garde flavours, discover the scoop on the best places to savour frozen delights in this coastal city...
Being a seaside town, most of us will know that Brighton is an ice cream lovers paradise; and whilst the sun may be dimming in the winter months, Brighton's countless parlours keep their doors wide open so you can indulge in a vasr array of frozen delights. From the classics to daring flavour combinations, all whilst catering to dietary restrictions too- so everyone can join in the fun! Read on to discover where you can find the best ice cream in Brighton...
Boho Gelato
Pool Valley: 6 Pool Valley, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1NJ
Ship Street: 31 Ship St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AD
Boho Gelato, the crowned jewel of Brighton's ice cream scene, has scooped up more than just accolades—it's become a national sensation. Tucked away in Ship Street and Pool Valley, this artisanal haven concocts frozen fantasies that have earned it the esteemed title of one of the UK's most popular ice cream shops. Ranked third nationwide and hailed as the South's sweetest triumph, Boho Gelato is more than just an ice cream parlor; it's a micro-factory, a flavor fiesta, and a testament to frozen dessert artistry. With 24 flavors swirling in their daily dance, ranging from the classic Vanilla to the avant-garde Violet, or the tropical Tango of Mango to the zesty zing of a Mojito, Boho Gelato takes your taste buds on a whimsical journey. Vegan options are a delightful constant on their menu, making sure everyone gets a taste of their chilly genius. Beyond the cones, Boho's creativity extends to desserts, waffles, and milkshakes that elevate the ice cream experience to a level where flavor meets fantasy.
Cloud 9
11 York Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GU
15 Kensington Gardens, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AL
Cloud 9, where the dessert takes center stage in two locations across Brighton—the original at the base of Kensington Gardens and its larger sibling striking a pose across from St Peter's church on York Place. Renowned as the UK's first cake shop to whip up the iconic Rainbow cake, they've mastered the art of crafting sweet symphonies. But the show doesn't stop there—Cloud 9 introduces a frosty counterpart with their heavenly house-made ice cream, 16 flavors on constant rotation, totaling a staggering 100 flavor variations. From the classic soft-serve delights to toppings that tango on your taste buds. Vegan options join the party, and with inventive flavors like Biscoff and Pistachio, it's a frozen fantasyland.
Gelato Gusto
54 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2HJ
This premium Italian ice-cream haven, founded by the daring BAFTA Award-winning director Jon Adams, decided to trade the hustle of London for the sweetness of Sussex. Armed with fresh milk from a local dairy, Gelato Gusto crafts gelato that's not just lower in butterfat but positively dripping in indulgence. Picture this: daily small-batch creations, made with love and a touch of seaside magic. With up to 30 flavors swirling in their gelato galaxy at any given time, choosing just one feels like picking a favorite child. From classic crowd-pleasers to avant-garde wonders, Gelato Gusto ensures you'll be waltzing back for seconds. After all, why settle for ordinary ice cream when you can savor the creamy, gooey, and downright irresistible magic of gelato?
Marrocco's
8 King's Esplanade, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2WA
Marrocco's, a place where ice cream has been an art since 1969, and the only thing melting faster than the scoops is your resistance to a second serving. This Italian seafood restaurant on Hove seafront has a flavor game so strong it's become a generational affair—customers have been passing down the joy of Marrocco's for four sweet generations. With 24 flavors to choose from, their award-winning ice cream is a dance of classics like Vanilla and Chocolate twirling with unique options like Bubblegum and Jaffa Cake.
The World Famous Pump Room
121-122 Kings Road Archa, Brighton BN1 2FN
Established in 1862, this Brighton institution started as a humble provider of seawater to the Grand Hotel, a place where taps flowed with hot water, cold water, and the refreshing nectar of the sea. Fast forward to today, and the Pump Room is not just a historical relic but a scoop-tastic haven. With 16 flavors of ice cream crafted by a local farmer, it's a dairy dreamland. Vegans, fear not—there's a delightful selection of dairy-free options to satisfy your frozen fantasies. And here's the cherry on top: you can savor these frozen delights while engaging in a friendly game of volleyball—just be sure your scoop doesn't end up in the sand!
V360
Kings Road Arches, 112 BN1 2LN
V360 may be seasonal but they are definitely worth the mention and the wait! In a year that's been as challenging as finding a vegan cheese that actually melts, V360m is closing shop temporarily to hit up vegan trade shows, concocting new plant-based wonders for a triumphant return in 2024. Despite the electric shocks of commercial electricity costs, V360 remains a beacon of vegan sweetness. Specializing in whipping up Brighton's best vegan Mr. Whippy ice cream, they've got your soft-serve dreams covered, complete with dark chocolate fakes that are a true dessert fantasy. And here's the cherry on top—they even have soya-free options, making them real leaders in the vegan ice cream realm.
Ed's Easy Diner
Unit C2, Churchill Square, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2RG
This proud Americana diner is not just about burgers and hot dogs; it's ice cream and milkshakes are the reason it's made the cut. With fair prices and portions that could satisfy even the hungriest sock hopper, Ed's Easy Diner is a diner dream. So, whether you're in the mood for a vegan brownie with ice cream or one of their famous shakes, Ed's Easy Diner is the place to be.
Brass Monkey Ice Cream
8 Hanningtons Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1GS
If the weather gods decide to grace you with sunshine, Brass Monkey is your ultimate summer poster child for a sugar-sponsored brain freeze. Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Royal Pavilion, this retro ice cream parlour might look like a tattoo studio from afar, but step inside, and you'll discover a taste adventure like no other. From the zesty zing of orange chocolate chip to the aromatic allure of cardamom, Brass Monkey is the place where flavor dreams come true. Don't miss their signature 'Hokey Pokey' honeycomb and vanilla concoction—it's a dance of sweetness that'll have you doing the twist with joy. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, Brass Monkey offers wholesale tubs of their handcrafted delights, ensuring the ice cream party never stops.