Ice creams have come a long way. They’re not just for kids anymore, as they gradually overcame the singing vans and relegated frozen freezer stereotypes. You’ll now find ice creams on major restaurant menus and disguised under elusive terms; do you mean gelato, sorbet or granite? Or maybe a sherbet? And you best prepare your taste buds because ice creams have never been so innovative in flavour (and never looked so good too). Whether you’re looking for niche, healthy or down right dirty, check out our list for the ELEVEN hottest ice cream picks in London.
Chin Chin Labs, Camden.
The Laboratorists at Chin Chin know all about nitrogen and ice cream. As a happy and healthy result their produce have about half the normal fat and sugar. Try their unique flavours such as rhubarb and lemon custard, and their hot chocolates are also a must.
49-50 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
Milk Train, Covent Garden.
If anyone has a vision of heaven and it’s filled with ice cream, it may look something like this. Milk Train gives you soft clouds of candyfloss upon which nestles a soft peak of ice cream. It’s Japanese inspired, so we recommend the hojicha (a green tea flavour).
44 Bedford St, London WC2E
Bake, Soho.
Matcha is a popular word right now and we’re recommending this little Chinese bakery especially for their matcha ice cream, which comes in a large taiyaki waffle cone. It’s a feast for the senses; a refreshing mix of bitter and sweet softness warped up in a crispy cone.
9 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PF
Ruby Violet, Tufnell Park.
If you can up the ice cream budget, try Ruby Violet for locally produced ice creams and sorbets. The setting itself is cosy and rustic, while their flavours are pretty unique (raspberry, rosewater and prosecco sorbet anyone?) They also offer classes – book online to avoid disappointment.
118 Fortess Rd, London NW5 2HL
Yorika!, Soho.
This is what a vegans dream must look and taste like. Everything is wheat, gluten, nut, dairy and egg free, and sustainably sourced. There’s milkshakes, ice creams and recent newbies to the menu – waffles and crepes. Our pick is the frozen yoghurt. Ps, sprinkles are free.
130 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 8ZN
Amorino, Islington.
Amorino is famed for its rose shaped ice cream, made from organic and natural produce. They have a vast range of traditional and exotic flavours and their gelato filled macaroons are definitely worth a try. Amorino have multiple stores; from Covent Garden to Camden Town.
110 Upper St, London N1 1QN
Soft Serve Society, Spitalfields.
You’ll find a lot of bloggers and photo enthusiasts in here ordering a £7.95 Freakshake – a towering mason jar full of everything your inner 5 year old child would freak out at. It’s the ultimate treat. They have a new flavour every week so make sure to ask.
Unit 35 BOXPARK, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY
Four Winters, South Kensington.
These guys believe in the revolution of ice cream and take it very seriously. There are artists, scientists and magicians working behind the scenes using the freshest flavours available each season. Toppings range from traditional chocolate chips to the unconventional vermicelli.
103 Gloucester Rd, Kensington, London SW7 4SZ
Marine Ice, Camden.
Marine Ice has brought the taste of Italy to London since 1931. Gelatos, sorbets, coffee and pastries are on the menu here and prices are reasonable (around £2.40 per scoop). Enjoy the outdoor seating or go upstairs where the room is made to look like a beautiful Italian hillside.
61 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AN
Pinkberry, Islington.
This LA based frozen yoghurt brand is simple and satisfying. Since their inception in 2005 (and thanks to multiple visits from the Kardashians) they’ve gone from strength to strength and become the queen of ice creams. Pick the size, yoghurt and toppings: simple.
38 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0PN
Lick, Soho.
Lick loves gelato – in everything. Try their lickshakes (gelato milkshakes) or their gelato cakes and if you’re vegan there are plenty of sorbets to keep you in check. We don’t need much convincing to try their alcoholic flavours too – including Champagne, Rum and Raisin and Mojito.
55 Greek Street, London, W1D 3DT
Written by Nikki