When the word 'heatwave' is mentioned in London, locals immediately gravitate towards beer gardens, rooftop bars, and most importantly, ice cream parlours. But where exactly can you find the most delectable ice cream in the city? We've compiled a list of the top 16 spots where you can indulge in a creamy cone of your preferred flavor.
London is known for its diverse ice cream scene, offering a plethora of flavors and styles to satisfy any craving. Whether you prefer classic favorites or experimental concoctions, there's something for everyone. From artisanal parlours to longstanding establishments, the ice cream options in London are truly unrivaled. If you're staying at the peckham rooms hotel, you are in for a treat, as some of these top-notch ice cream spots are just a short walk away.
Throughout your exploration of London's ice cream offerings, you might realize you've embarked on a delicious journey that requires extensive knowledge of the city's culinary landscape. Curious travelers and dessert aficionados can use tophotels.com to find accommodations that grant them easy access to these frozen delights, ensuring you're never too far from your next scoop of gelato, sorbet, or traditional ice cream.
Our process for selecting the finest ice cream parlours in London
We take the task of finding the best ice cream in London seriously. Our team has personally visited each of the recommended ice cream parlours and gelaterias, indulging in multiple flavors to uncover the absolute gems in this vibrant city. Each shop on our list has been carefully selected for their exceptional offerings.
Some of the establishments on our list specialize in serving classic Italian gelato, ensuring an authentic and rich taste. Others adopt a unique approach, infusing their creations with tantalizing and creative flavors. Regardless of their style, one thing remains consistent - these delightful ice cream parlours offer a splendid array of delicious flavors, irresistibly creamy textures, and exciting seasonal specials. Trust our recommendations, and you'll find yourself in a sweet haven of frozen delights.
Whether you are craving a classic gelato or looking to embark on a delightful taste adventure, we have you covered. Our curated list ensures that you have the opportunity to indulge in the finest ice cream in London. Start exploring and treat yourself to a remarkable ice cream experience!
1. Badiani 1932, across London
Nearly a century of expertise goes into the gelato at Badiani 1932 – and it shows. First started by Idilio Badiani in Florence in the 1930s, the business (and the family recipes) have been passed through generations in Italy before launching in London in 2015. Now, there are Badiani outposts in Notting Hill, Chelsea, Angel, Mayfair, Covent Garden and beyond. The team here have trademarked their signature flavour Buontalenti: made in a puritanical fashion with milk, cream, sugar and eggs. This is the base for punchy flavours such as pistachio and our favourite, la dolce vita (with hazelnut and chocolate sauce).
Website: badiani1932.com
2. All Over London and the UK, Meet Happy Endings
What can surpass the joy of ice cream? Perhaps, ice cream ingeniously encased within flavorful cookies. Terri Mercieca, a celebrated pastry chef, introduced the world to Happy Endings in 2014, merging tantalizingly smooth ice cream with inventive cookie tastes, all artistically packaged in delightful paper wrappings. The well-loved pick from the menu is The Malty One, a decadent combo of malted milk parfait, spacious oat-cookies, a sprinkle of malt crumbs, and a half-coat of smooth 55 per cent milk chocolate. A polarizing choice from the menu is The Naughty One, a mix of miso salt caramel parfait, chocolate Guinness cake slices and soy-based dulce de leche - some find the robust, salty notes appealing; others deem it overwhelming. In contrast, Milk It, a fresh milk ice cream loaded with a hefty 70 per cent choco-chip cookie and Maldon sea salt is a guaranteed hit among all crowds.
Website: happyendingsldn.com
3. Matter at Hand, Bloomsbury
Matter at Hand's branding has to be some of the chicest in London, so it's no surprise that the team describe the concept as the intersection of ice cream, art, and design. All is pared-back and beautiful – but the flavours are less classic than you might expect. We tried a handful: the outright winner was the black sesame, while the basil and lemon curd (yes, really) came a close second. Some of the flavours won't be for everyone – the brown butter roasted sweetcorn, for example, was the favourite of some while ranking last for others.
Address: Matter at Hand, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
Website: matter-at-hand.com
4. Chin Chin Dessert Club, Soho
Creative and innovative or mad genius? However you look at it, Chin Chin is doing something different to most ice-cream parlours in London. Small batches here are frozen ultra-quickly with liquid nitrogen. That means the smooth and creamy flavours have been made just 10 minutes earlier – or seconds earlier in the case of Chin Chin Labs, the original outpost in Camden where each scoop is frozen to order. Flavours range from classic to wild card: ingredients are whipped up in the kitchen downstairs and include brȗléed sweetcorn ( “an acquired taste”, founder Nyisha Weber tells us), refreshing mango lassi and pandan fruit, an Asian staple that tastes surprisingly like cake batter. At Soho’s cute Chin Chin Dessert Club, you can take a scoop away, or order a full-on pudding to eat in. We recommend the banana-jam ice-cream pie, with a layer of biscuit, burnt-caramel ice cream and warm toffee sauce; or the cookie pie, made with melting chocolate cookie and topped with tonka-bean ice cream.
Address: The Chin Chin Club, 54 Greek Street, London W1D 3DS
Website: chinchinicecream.com
5. Oddono’s, South Kensington
Gelato purists will be drawn to the classic recipes made from fresh ingredients at Oddono’s artisan laboratory in South Kensington. The pistachio is not to be missed; while traditional flavours such as chocolate and hazelnut are also firm favourites among fans, but there are more unique options to choose from too. The brand has been known to experiment with basil, lemon and vodka, and honey, and there’s always a selection of sorbets for those who prefer fruitier flavours. Stores are nicely spread throughout London, with outposts in South Kensington, Hampstead, Battersea, East Dulwich, Chiswick, Stoke Newington and Wimbledon.
Address: Oddono’s, 14 Bute Street, London SW7 3EX
Website: oddonos.com
6. Milk Train in Covent Garden
The Milk Train, situated in Covent Garden, is a sanctuary for sugar lovers. It's popular for its Instagram-worthy delights, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The main attractions are their soft-serve ice creams, presented in playful Crayola hues, and loaded with a variety of sweets that appeals not just to children but to adults alike. Their cones smothered in effervescent candy floss are a distinct fan favourite. The café’s interior embraces a pleasing aesthetic - immaculate white walls and serving areas complemented by seats in a pastel shade of blue leather. A Metro tile mural adorns one wall. Its bubbly, extravagant vibe is a charming contrast to the concept of a traditional ice cream parlour.
Location: Milk Train, 12 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7PH
Website: milktraincafe.com
7. Soft Serve Society, Shoreditch
This stripped-back pudding bar was inspired by the epic soft-serve parlours of Asia’s frenetic cities. Flavours are unusual: the black-sesame ice cream (served in a black cone) is a staple, while sundaes are served in sturdier tubs to accommodate the many toppings. Choose from honeycomb chunks, Oreos, gingerbread chunks and loads more. After a successful residency turned permanent home at at Shoreditch’s Boxpark, the team are now also at Seven Dials Market.
Address: Soft Serve Society, Unit 35 Boxpark, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6GY
Website: softservesociety.com
8. Romeo & Giulietta Artisan Gelateria, Stoke Newington
Owners Ciprian and Iuliana are Romanian, not Roman – but the couple honed their gelato knowledge in Verona before moving to this leafy north London suburb. On sunshiny days, queues snake around the block for flavours such as ricotta with caramelised figs or black cherry praline.
Address: Romeo & Giulietta Artisan Gelateria, 137 Albion Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 9JU
Website: gelateriarg.co.uk
9. Grom, Located in the Heart of Piccadilly
The first BBC-approved British location of the wildly popular Italian ice cream brand, Grom, can be found nestled in the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly. Offering a tempting array of traditional gelato flavours behind its inviting circular counter, you'll find your favourites such as pistachio, chocolate, coffee, and stracciatella amongst its offerings. A particular standout is the iconic crema di Grom, complete with a sweet, tantalising combination of pastry cream, Meliga biscuits and chocolate pieces. Mirroring its Italian legacy, all ingredients used are completely natural. For those warm, hazy summer afternoons, the mango sorbet provides a cool, refreshingly fruity alternative.
Address: Grom, Piccadilly's gem at 18 Piccadilly, London W1J 0DF
Website: grom.it/en
The company has emerged as a leader in Italian gelato, with over 60 different locations in Italy alone. Interestingly, Grom ensures that their cherished customers have the authentic Italian experience by following the traditional gelato-making recipes.
10. Gelupo, Soho
Hidden down an unassuming street in the depths of Soho, Gelupo has become an evergreen hit on the London ice-cream scene. The little sister of Bocca di Lupo (the top-notch Italian just over the road) offers brilliant gelato, sorbet and granita. Flavours include peanut butter and blueberry, strawberry sherbet and a surprisingly tasty and super-creamy olive oil and rosemary. Take a number at the door and join the queue to try before you buy.
Address: Gelupo, 7 Archer Street, London W1D 7AU
Website: gelupo.com
11. Ruby Violet, King's Cross
The crew at Ruby Violet were forced to close their doors in the original Tufnell Park outpost in 2021 due to rising rents and the uncertainty of the pandemic. But never fear: their King's Cross sister branch is still going strong. Top a scoop of your favourite flavour with honeycomb, almond brittle or mini meringues, drench it in hot salted caramel or pop it on the side of a slice of cake.
Address: Ruby Violet, Midland Goods Shed, 3 Wharf Road, N1C 4BZ
Website: rubyviolet.co.uk
12. 3Bis Gelateria at Borough Market
Imagine savouring authentic gelato, reminiscent of a sun-soaked Italian coastal town, right in the heart of one of London's most historic markets. The second outlet of Rimini's esteemed 3Bis Gelateria, well-known as Borough Market's luxurious spot for after-dark indulgence (open till 11pm during summer), is exactly where you can have this experience. Top choices include enticing flavours like panna cotta and marscapone with fig, whereas in the summertime, Eton mess and raspberry are often sold out due to high demand. Additionally, you could try the frozen yoghurt supplied from neighboring Neal's Yard Dairy, homemade tiramisu, or perhaps give their gelato lollipops fashioned in the style of Magnums a go.
Location: 3Bis Gelateria, 4 Park Street, Southwark, London SE1 9AH
Website: gelateria3bis.co.uk
Did you know? Gelato, an Italian delicacy, is denser and milkier than other ice creams and packs intense flavour. Also, London's Borough Market, which houses 3Bis Gelateria, is one of the largest and oldest food markets in the city, dating back to 1014.
13. The Innovation at La Gelatiera, Covent Garden
La Gelatiera shines through with its unconventional approach towards blending flavors. It assuages any initial trepidation with its creativity; the Porcini mushroom coupled with chocolate cream is far sweeter than anticipated. Another surprising delicacy is the interplay of basil and chilli, providing a creamy shock to your taste buds. Their best-selling flavour, Honey, Rosemary, and Orange Zest is a must-try (featured in the image). If you're up for a flavorful adventure with an alcoholic twist, consider their Mojito or Peach Bellini sorbets.
Location: La Gelatiera, 27 New Row, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4LA
Online Presence: lagelatiera.co.uk
14. The Notable Morelli's Gelato in Covent Garden
With an authentic recipe that has been honed and refined across five generations, Morelli's Gelato is a name that resonates with ice cream lovers. Its inception dates back to 1932 when the first store graced the Broadstairs seafront scene. This legendary parlour still graces the location. However, it's not just a vintage gem of Broadstairs, as Londoners are blessed with a branch in Covent Garden too. Moreover, Morelli’s has 17 additional branches scattered globally. Their daily menu never disappoints with a selection of 20 exquisite flavours. Nonetheless, their timeless classics like hazelnut and chocolate remain a universal favourite.
Location: Morelli's Gelato, The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RB
Online Portal: morellisgelato.com
15. Gratify Your Sweet Tooth at Snowflake Luxury Gelato in Soho
Treat yourself to the creamy delights of Snowflake Luxury Gelato, with locations all over the city - ranging from Bayswater to the heart of Soho. You're never too far from this heavenly indulgence, known for their rich, organic Jersey milk-based gelato. The specialty gelato flavours have clinched several awards for their deliciousness and novelty. Try out the unique tortadellanona, crafted from a traditional Italian custard dessert, or tantalize your taste buds with the intriguing pairing of white chocolate and rosewater. Their sorbetto offerings are just as impressive, featuring the punchy lime and mint and the vibrant blood orange.
Their gelato is hand-crafted, ensuring that every lick is a moment of pure delight, and they were selected as Supreme Champion at the 2014 Great Taste Awards. Moreover, their commitment to using 100% natural ingredients has won them the trust and love of ice cream enthusiasts from all over the city.
Address: Snowflake Luxury Gelato, 102 Wardour Street, Soho, London, W1F 0TP
Website: snowflakegelato.co.uk
16. Danieli Gelateria, Richmond
Tucked away in Richmond Green, in the serene surroundings of southwest London, Danieli Gelateria sets itself apart as a healthier alternative to most traditional gelato vendors. They create their delectable treats with a fat content of merely 5 to 10 per cent, a stark contrast to the typical 15-25 per cent you'll find elsewhere. This gives you all the more reason to indulge in an extra scoop or two! Their signature flavours gaining popularity among customers include exotic combinations of cardamom and chocolate, fragrant pistachio, succulent fig, refreshing mandarin, and a dreamy tiramisu.
Address: Danieli Gelateria, 16 Brewers Lane, Richmond, TW9 1HH
Website: gelateriadanieli.com