London has no shortage of great ice cream, gelato, sorbet, soft serve, places, what can’t always be guaranteed is a Sun day (get it?) So whilst the sun is shining, here are my best ice cream parlours, if you will.
La Gelateria
For the lover of gelato. Constantly changing innovative flavours, made daily on site. And they’re not afraid to experiment. Sicilian Pistacchio, Extra dark chocolate with Calabrian chilli, Porcini mushroom and chocolate cream, Peanut butter, Chocolate and Caramel, and a creamy Madagascar vanilla option for the less daring of you. All 100% natural and free of any additives or preservatives. In summer, there’s a pop-up stall in Brick Lane Market.
Address: 27 New Row, Covent Garden, WC2
Website: www.lagelatiera.co.uk
Greedy Goat
Using British goat’s milk with less than 10% lactose and lower fat content, its still an option for the intolerances. Find them at Borough Market every week between Wednesday and Saturday, and choose from classic pistachio, strawberry and mint choc chip to more unconventional choices such as carrot cake, limoncello and gin and tonic.
Address: Borough Market, SE1
Website: www.greedygoat.co.uk
Gelateria 3bis
Another Borough Market choice, small batches are made on-site every day, using the same Italian ingredients used in its two Rimini parlours (think Sicialian pistachios and Calabrian liquorice). Forget the bottom of the cornetto. Here it’s molten chocolate poured into the bottom of every cup and cone, whilst favourite flavours include mascarpone with figs, peanut butter and hazelnut.
Address: Park Street, SE1
Website: www.gelateria3bis.co.uk
Gelatorino
The most authentic gelateria in town. Classic, artisanal, in true Italian style. Watch the gelataoi (ice-cream maker) at work next to the counter, even ask for a taste of what they are whipping up inside the machine. Stracciatella? Always. Chocolate and ginger? I’ll try it out. Breakfast in Turn? Most definitely.
Address: 2 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2
Website: www.gelatorino.com
Gelupo
The little sister of Bocca di Lupo (the renowned Italian over the road) offers gelato, sorbet and granita in eight flavours, served in a cone, cup or on top of a cake, or whipped into a milkshake. They’re switched up frequently, so check online what’s on offer that day. Even if you don’t, you’ll be sure to find something you like.
Address: 7 Archer Street, Soho, W1
Website: www.gelupo.com
Oddono’s
As the business card says, “Life is too short for bad ice cream,” get stuck in. Having created over 130 different flavours since opening, based on his grandmother’s recipes, Christian Oddono’s shop is has been given a stamp of approval by many foodies. Their vanilla pods are from Madagascar, hazelnuts from Piedmont, and pistachios from Sicily – so you know a world of goodness has gone into every mouthful. And when the British weather does take a turn, pop in for one of their delicious Italian-style hot chocolates.
Address: 14 Bute Street, SW7
Website: www.oddonos.com
Scoop
With 2 branches and a London delivery service, you can always satiate an ice cream craving. Ingreidents sourced from all over the world, from Ecuadorian cocoa to Sicilian Marsala wine to Sri Lankan cinnamon. Ogle at the creamy varieties in front of you or pick from crepes, waffles, brownies, pancakes, and churros.
Address: 40 Short’s Gardens, Covent Garden, WC2
Website: www.scoopgelato.com
Amorino
This is the prettiest of them all. After you’ve selected your flavour, calmly wait until your ice cream has been slowly scooped petal by petal into a flower. The petals can be from as many flavours as you want, maybe mixing the tangy freshness of a juice passion fruit with the luscious hit of the dark chocolate sorbet? There are plenty of good ones to choose from!
Address: Multiple locations
Website: www.amorino.com
Chin Chin Labs
Tired of classic pistachio and vanilla? Chin Chin Labs likes to push to one side the traditionally-held views on what ice cream should be. Now a permanent fixture in Camden Market and a new opening in Soho, Chin Chin Labs uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the mixture faster for smoother results, and in-parlour theatrics that will thrill adults and children alike. As in the presentation, the flavours are as creative – think stout ice cream with griddled peach, watermelon and dill, or beetroot choc chip, changing every week.
Address: Camden Lock Place, NW1
Website: www.chinchinlabs.com
Any Questions or Tips to add?