By Editor Elmira Tanatarova
The best ice cream parlours in the UK, according to a top food critic
Food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the ice cream across UK
READ MORE: Wave goodbye to the heat… for now! Brits to start cooling off as temperatures dip and rain is set to fall – but not for long
By ELMIRA TANATAROVA
Published: 14:01 BST, 2 July 2025 | Updated: 14:06 BST, 2 July 2025
The hottest day of the year this week – which had Brits sweltering in temperatures that had sunseekers basked in searing 34.7C across some parts – signalled that summer well and truly is here.
Many across the UK will be getting their shades, SPF and portable fans out to deal with the scorching heat – but there’s nothing better to cool down with than a tasty, sugary ice cream, and here, a travel writer has shared her favourite parlours across the country.
A Mr Whippy and Calippo can do the job just fine, but some days call for a proper vendor that delivers on both creaminess and flavour.
Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh.
The expert, who is also the host of What Chefs Want on Channel 4 in Singapore, unveiled the best places to go for; and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a classic gelato or an experimental foodie concoction.
Top of the list is Chelsea and Bermondsey based Ice Cream Union, where Renae reccomends the Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple.
Elsewhere, she is also fond of the Espresso Martini flavour at Moomaid of Zennor in Cornwall.
And for those further up north, the pro praised Brucciani’s – a Morecambe Bay staple…
Top of the list is Chelsea and Bermondsey based Ice Cream Union, where Renae reccomends the Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple
Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh. Pictured, Mary’s Milk Bar in Edinburgh
Renae praised Swoon Gelato, pictured, for its ‘award-winning, artisan gelato that’s all about creamy elegance and seasonal creativity’
Renae, pictured – who is also the host of What Chefs Want on Channel 4 in Singapore – unveiled the best places to go for; and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a classic gelato or an experimental foodie concoction
1. Ice Cream Union – Chelsea & Bermondsey
Small-batch kings with a cult following in the chef world. They treat ice cream like fine dining, everything’s handcrafted with freaky precision.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple and chocolate-coated biscuit chunks. Like a luxury McVitie’s in gelato form.
2. The Dreamery – Islington
A whimsical wine bar meets boutique gelato lab. Expect fig leaf sorbet, oolong & prune, and the sexiest scoops served in vintage silver bowls.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Pear & verjus sorbet, bright, tart, elegant. Very ‘London with a secret’
3. Chin Chin Dessert Club – Soho & Camden
At Chin Chin, Renae reccomends the burnt butter caramel with truffle crumble and pandan whipped cream. Pictured, the matcha misu
Nitro-frozen theatre with a mad flavour lab twist. Think Michelin dessert meets street snack.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Burnt butter caramel with truffle crumble and pandan whipped cream. It’s a full-sensory sugar trip.
4. Oddono’s Gelaton – Multiple London Locations
Proper Italian gelato made fresh daily, using natural ingredients and zero fuss. A London mainstay for good reason.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Pistachio. No gimmicks, just textbook perfection.
5. Happy Endings – Bow + stockists
The UK’s reigning queen of ice cream sandwiches. A little naughty, very nice.
Renae’s pick of flavour: The Malty One, malted parfait, oaty biscuits, magic malt crumb, dipped in luxe milk choc. Pure filth.
6. Bilmonte – Soho
The food critic expressed that boutique gelateria Bilmonte had ‘Italian heart’ and ‘Soho soul’. Pictured, mango flavour
Boutique gelateria with a love for texture and experts of the slow melt (perfect for hot days). Italian heart, Soho soul.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Milk chocolate, old school done the right way.
7. Swoon Gelato – Bristol, Bath, Oxford
Award-winning, artisan gelato that’s all about creamy elegance and seasonal creativity.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Amarena Cherry Cheesecake. Tart, sweet, decadent, dangerously addictive.
8. Jack’s Gelato – Cambridge
Micro-batch madness. The menu changes constantly, and every flavour is a conversation starter.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Miso Blondie. Or Passionfruit & Gochujang Sorbet if you’re feeling chaotic.
9. Gelato Gusto – Brighton
Gelato Gusto, based in Brighton, proudly touts the ‘truffle and honey’ flavour. Renae says: ‘Now focusing on wholesale, but you can still score a scoop of greatness in Brighton’
BAFTA-winning founder turned gelato obsessive. Now focusing on wholesale, but you can still score a scoop of greatness in Brighton.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Truffle & honey, fancy but friendly.
10. Moomaid of Zennor – St Ives, Cornwall
Farm-made ice cream with ocean views and Cornish sass.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Espresso Martini. Not for kids, and that’s the point.
11. Morelli’s Gelato – Broadstairs
Gelato since 1932. Think marble counters, pastel sundaes, and heritage scooping.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Kilimanjaro Coffee, like espresso but sexier.
12. The Ice Cream Farm – Tattenhall, Cheshire
Speaking of her reccomendations, Renae says: ‘Whatever’s made that morning from their own herd, usually divine’
Theme-park energy with proper dairy credentials. Great for kids, nostalgic for adults.
Wave goodbye to the heat… for now! Brits to start cooling off as temps dip – but not for long
Renae’s pick of flavour: Whatever’s made that morning from their own herd, usually divine.
13. Snugburys – Cheshire
Three sisters, one barn, 300k scoops a year. Local legend status.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Raspberry Pavlova. Summer in a scoop.
14. Snowflake Gelato – London
Artisan gelato using Jersey milk and Michelin-grade ingredients like Valrhona chocolate.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Raspberry Sorbetto. Supreme Taste Award-winner, and you’ll see why.
15. Mary’s Milk Bar – Edinburgh
Gelato made daily by Mary, who trained in Bologna. Rotating flavours. No repeats.
Renae’s pick of flavour: The Spaghetti Sundae, just trust me.
16. Alandas Gelato – Edinburgh
The foodie pro has included, in her list, the ‘award-winning Scottish-Italian scoop shop using East Lothian dairy’
Award-winning Scottish-Italian scoop shop using East Lothian dairy.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Whisky Caramel. You’re in Edinburgh, when in Rome…
17. Parisella’s – Llandudno, North Wales
Proper seaside parlour since the ’50s. Classic cones and nostalgia by the scoop.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Banoffee. Tastes like childhood.
18. Brucciani’s – Morecambe Bay
Art Deco darling of the north. Go for the design, stay for the knickerbocker glories.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Vanilla is actually the best, stacked sky-high in a tall glass.
19. Nicholls Ice Cream Parlour – Parkgate, Wirral
Seventy five years and counting. Estuary views, homemade scoops, and major retro charm.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Turkish Delight. Unexpected, but totally lush.
20. DÁPPA – Hackney & pop-ups
Vegan soft-serve made from almonds and cashews that gives full-fat Mr Whippy energy.
Renae’s pick of flavour: Dark chocolate with caramelised hazelnuts and coconut chips. Plant-based indulgence done right.
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The best ice cream parlours in the UK, according to a top food critic
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