Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

The hot, hot weather has sent British ice-cream sales through the roof as we all cool down with a cornet or tub of the yummy treat. So, which are the Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours?

TripAdvisor travellers have given their verdicts and the No1 spot goes to Spurreli in Amble, Northumberland. Co-owner Katie Spurr said: “We are so thrilled that our ice cream parlour has been named the UK’s best-rated ice cream parlour. Thanks to all our customers for the great feedback they have given us.”

Do you agree or have you got your own recommendation? If you want to add your favourite, write it in the comment box below and we could have another rival Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours before the summer is out! (For instance, if you are in Lincolnshire, try Blyton dairy ice-cream – they’ve got more than 60 flavours, above).

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Spurreli, Amble, Northumberland
Placed 4th in 2013 – between the harbour and town-square, Spurreli combines local, seasonal ingredients – from Virginia’s home grown berries to Alnwick Rum – with traditional Italian flavourings to create its speciality ice cream.
One reviewer said: “I have visited Italy for the last 17 years and have to say the ice cream here is just as good as any Gelateria in Rome or Venice.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Di Polas, Hastings, East Sussex
Placed 6th in 2013 – perfectly located on the South Coast seafront, Di Polas is revered locally for its wide selection of enticing flavours, including Sea Salt Caramel and Malteser.
One reviewer said: “Just the ticket on a sunny summer’s day. Fabulous range of flavours – top quality, well worth the money.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Mr B’s Ice Cream Parlour, Hayle, Cornwall
Placed 3rd in 2013 – specialising in fresh Cornish ice cream made from locally-sourced ingredients, Mr.B’s offers everything from timeless vanilla ice cream to exotic fresh fruit sorbets, as well as an array of smoothies, milkshakes and fudge.
One reviewer said, “Great selection that changes regularly, almost daily. Some of the best flavours I’ve tried. Loved the New York Cheesecake.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Notarianni Ices, Blackpool, Lancashire
Placed 5th in 2013 – this small Italian family-run business has been making traditional vanilla ice cream on the premises for over 70 years. Nostalgia lovers will also enjoy its classic selection of sundaes – including Knickerbocker glories, Banana splits and Peach Melbas.
One reviewer said: “Superb quality…no trip to Blackpool is complete without a visit.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Giggi Gelateria, Bournemouth, Dorset 
Placed 2nd in 2013 – Two Italian brothers set up Giggi in 2008 after spotting a gap in the market for real, homemade Italian ice cream. This seaside Gelateria offers a wide selection of flavours, including dairy-free sorbet options and the owner’s signature Giggi flavour. The top picture is a giant sundae from Giggi.
One reviewer said, “Really lovely ice cream. The pistachio especially is out of this world. There are so many ice creams to choose from its hard to know which one to pick.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Mary’s Milk Bar, Edinburgh, Scotland 
New entry for 2014 – Mary has worked as a chocolatier for the last five years and trained in Bologna, Italy at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University. Tucked into the bustling Grassmarket, Mary’s Milk Bar boasts a magnificent view of Edinburgh Castle and offers a selection of flavours with new ones introduced every week.
One reviewer said, “What fantastic ice cream. Probably the best chocolate ice cream I’ve ever had. This is almost a reason to come back to Edinburgh alone!”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Palas Caffi, Caernarfon, Wales
New entry for 2014 – Opened in 1888, Palas Caffi is a family run café. Located next door to Caernarfon Castle, Palas Caffi offers over 30 different flavours of ice cream, all made daily using local ingredients.
One reviewer said, “Great flavours like cherry cola and New York cheesecake ice cream this cafe is adorable. Genuinely nice service and value for money.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Joe’s, Swansea, Wales
Placed 7th in 2013 – A family-run establishment mixing Welsh ingredients with Italian flair, its luxury ice cream recipe has been handed down over generations, and remains a closely guarded secret.
One reviewer said: “The ice cream itself is just like I remember it being when I was a small child, many, many years ago. I love it, it has a unique taste that I have never found anywhere else.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Moomaid of Zennor, St Ives, Cornwall
New entry for 2014 – a small family business Moomaid of Zennor makes Cornish ice cream in the purpose built ice cream parlour located on their farm. The ice cream is made fresh and mixed by hand, from the milk of the farm’s very own cows. Flavours on offer include salted almond praline, Turkish delight and chocolate and chestnut.
One reviewer said, “We visited twice while in St Ives on holiday, and ate here on recommendations. Delicious ice-cream, bewildering array of flavours, all made locally and lovely, friendly staff.”

Top 10 UK ice-cream parlours

Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour, Beaumaris, Wales
New entry for 2014 – in the resort town of Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey, Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour serves authentic Italian gelato in a selection of flavours including Jelly Bean, apple crumble and crème brulee. Co-owner Tony has received extensive training in the art of ice cream making at the Carpigiani University of Italy.
One reviewer said, “This is my absolute favourite place to go for ice cream! Not only is it deliciously creamy, it is the most imaginative place I’ve been to when it comes to flavours of ice cream!”