The Best Ice Cream Parlours In London
As the weather warms up, Londoners will be looking for a way to cool down. Absolutely London lists the sweetest ice cream parlours in London, serving up a range of flavours from a classic Vanilla to the weird but wonderful Suntan Lotion (yes, you read that right, and yes – we may judge you if you go for vanilla).
By Layla Turner
The Parlour by Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly W1A 1ERThe iconic London department store serves up an aesthetic interior alongside some seriously strange yet delicious scoops. Alongside classic flavours such as Double Chocolate and Raspberry Ripple, The Parlour has introduced a range of ‘Summer’ flavours to its menu, including Suntan Lotion; a pearly white offering with a rich coconut flavour, and Summer Sea Spray; a salty-sweet offering with a bright turquoise colour. Guests at The Parlour can also opt to ‘Build their own super sundaes’, with a vast array of toppings to choose from, including candy floss and jelly beans. It’s the perfect pit stop after a long day of shopping.
Bafarat Café, 6 Warwick St W1B 5LU
Soho Patisserie Bafarat London are well known for their speciality coffee, instagram-worth patisseries and high-end interiors in the heart of Soho. To coincide with the warmer weather that London has recently been blessed with, Bafarat are launching a new menu of ice creams served up by mastermind French chef Thomas Alphonsine. Flavours will include Vanilla, Salted Caramel & Hazelnut, Mango & Passionfruit, Strawberry & Lime and Single Origin Chocolate & Salted Caramel. Thomas Alphonsine describes the flavours as “A hybrid between the ice cream and the patisserie.”
Chin Chin Ice Cream, Various Locations
The internet sensation, well known for their decadent hot chocolates complete with marshmallow fluff, are also Europe’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour. Whilst we aren’t sure exactly what that means, we know that the ice creams are brilliant. Guests should opt for the Banana milk, a delicious yet unique flavour perfect for summer. Chin Chin also serves up a range of celebration cakes, if you want to go an extra mile for that special someone.
Ruby Violet, Various Locations
Ruby Violet was born out of a desire to create high quality ice creams using natural and local ingredients. Not your usual run-of-the-mill ice cream parlour, Ruby Violet sell a range of flavours from their ever popular Salted Caramel and Almond Brittle to the refreshing Rhubarb sorbet. On cooler days, guests must try their signature Short and Intense hot chocolate – our favourite hot chocolate in London.
Gelupo, Archer St W1D 7AU
London’s best loved ice cream parlour, Gelupo, are famous for their ‘uncompromisingly delicious gelato’ crafted from the finest and freshest ingredients. Perfect for a late night treat with the parlour open until 11pm Monday-Thursday and Midnight Friday to Saturday, Gelupo offer a range of both sorbets and ice creams, from Blood Orange sorbet to Peanut Butter Stracciatella. Divine.