CARLY-ANN CLEMENTS, APRIL 2018
Here comes the sun and with it, a craving for silky, cool ice cream. But with so many places to choose from, how do you know which are worth the sugar high? Here are the nine best places to grab a scoop in London.
Amorino
Available all over central London (as well as in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and more), Amorino is one of the most popular ice cream brands in London. Yes, they do delicious gelato, but the main draw is the Instagram-worthy presentation. Unlike most places, Amorino don’t do sloppy, drippy blobs – in their cones, at least. They do flowers. Using slabs of ice cream, the skilful servers create a delicate rose out of your chosen flavours. They even offer a frozen macaron as a garnish. You can, of course, get a scoop in a tub, but why miss out on those double taps? It’s easy foodie fodder
Gelatorio
For a more traditional gelato, Gelatorio is the one. Located right next to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and just moments away from Covent Garden piazza, it’s a great little place to stop while exploring the city. All the ice cream is made in house daily using machines imported from Italy. The super smooth gelatos come in a range of traditional flavours including dulce de leche, biscotto, pistachio, and stracciatella. Plus, some less traditional but safe options like pumpkin pie, ginger, and fig ripple. They also have a range of sorbets and cocktail gelatos available.
La Gelatiera
Genuine gelato made on site all day, every day. You can even see it being made through a glass panel in the floor. Le Gelatiera specialises in flavour combinations and their menu changes daily. And though they have some wacky items on the menu – including basil and chilli, watercress and lime, and Cornish blue and walnuts – they also have some outstanding standard gelato and sorbet flavours. Plus, they have dairy free and vegan options, too. In fact, they’ve created 90 flavours; all with natural ingredients and no preservatives. They also do waffles, gelato cakes, coffee and take-home tubs.
Snowflake
Various locationWith new locations popping up every year, Snowflake is fast becoming a London favourite. And though they do offer rich, indulgent gelato, it’s the trimmings that make it stand out. Serving waffles, crepes, affogatos, and gelato cakes, it’s a great place to sit in and enjoy a decadent dessert. They also do seasonal specialties, an ice cream afternoon tea, and they were the home to the £99 ice cream cone.
Gelupo
Unless you’re looking for a Michelin-star meal, plus a ball of ice cream for dessert, Gelupo is the place to go for artisanal ice cream. From the chef behind Bocca Di Lupo, Jacob Kenedy, Gelupo offers beautifully crafted gelati and sorbetti in a wide range of quirky but mature flavours. Using fresh ingredients – including fresh mint – you won’t be able to get enough of these culinary adventurous treats.
Milk Train 44 Bedford St, WC2E
They kicked off the candy floss ice cream trend a few years back and they’re still pulling in the crowds with their innovative treats. If you’re looking for high quality, taste over style ice cream, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re looking for something to wow your followers on social media, then head on over. There isn’t much variety in flavours but it is a lot of fun. And who knows what they’ll come up with for this summer…
Bubblewrap 24 Wardour Street, W1D 6QJ
Another trend that hit the summer crowds was the bubblewrap – a hollow waffle wrapped around ice cream and topped with sweet, sweet goodies. Though there are a few places around London to get the on-trend dessert, Bubblewrap is the most popular. Just be warned, you might have to queue a while to get your hands on it. You can find the Hong Kong style treat in China Town where you can find other delicious treats like Taiyaki fish and pandan cake
Chin Chin Labs Various locations
Traditional ice cream a bit too vanilla for you? Then head to Chin Chin Labs in either Soho or Camden. Using liquid nitrogen to quickly freeze a custard-based ice cream, Chin Chin Labs offer thick, luscious, crystal-free ice cream that’ll make the eyes roll into the back of your head. With a bunch of weekly specials that can be served as ice cream sandwiches, it’s probably the most fun you’ll have experimenting… with food at least.
Greedy Goat
Borough Market Are you always left sad watching your friends eating the treats you can’t digest? For the lactose intolerant, Greedy Goat will turn your woes around. Using British goats milk which has 10% less lactose and a lower fat content, Greedy Cow is easier on the belly without sacrificing flavour.
