July marks National Ice Cream Month and I can’t think of a better celebration to welcome the new month.
From childhood memories of flagging down the nostalgic sounds of the local ice cream van to grab a 99 (when they were 99p!) with a flake (absolutely necessary), to popping into the local newsagent for a Fab, Feast, or perhaps a Cornetto (the chocolate bottom was the best part), ice cream is there through the mundane and the good.
Ice cream may bring to mind thoughts of Italian gelato or American soft serve, but it is thought to have first come from Persia, despite the hot weather.
Nowadays we’re a far cry from the Persian origins of this icy delight.
Legend has it that with the use of ice houses and ice pools, Persians were able to serve ice cream – or Faloodeh as it is traditionally known – as far back as 550BC.
Gelupo is one of the best spots in London, an expert shares
GELUPO
Walk down any high street, particularly in London and ice cream has had a makeover. It’s artisan, it’s boujee, it’s delicious.
From dessert shops to wacky concepts, ice cream and its derivatives – gelato and sorbet – are easy to come by.
July has been known as National Ice Cream Month since President Ronald Reagan made this proclamation in 1984.
It’s now easier than ever to make ice cream at home, either with an ice cream maker or by hand; with a flurry of cookbooks and social media channels dedicated to it, but I want to showcase my top spots in London that I savour both in the hot and cold months.
Gelupo, 7 Archer Street
The dessert spot connected to my favourite Italian across the road, Bocca di Lupo, Gelupo is everything you want from a gelato shop. Incredibly fresh, delicious and seasonal flavours with a long list of sorbets too. My favourite is the blood orange.
Ruby Violet, Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross
Originating in Tufnell Park, Ruby Violet is your quintessential ice cream parlour – with a twist.
Headed up by Julie, a former photographer and named after her maternal grandmother, they showcase really fun and quirky flavours such as black sesame, gingerbread and raspberry, rosewater and prosecco.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
There are lots of great spots to get ice cream and sorbet
RUBY VIOLET
Chin Chin Dessert Club, Camden and Soho
Hand-churned ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Yes please! Chin Chin is doing things differently and creating ice cream desserts that are indulgent, delicious and addictive.
The flavours are unique such as Tonka bean and coffee and olive oil. It’s worth trying their brownie cookie sandwich too.
Hannah Harley Young is a presenter and host of the podcast Crazy Sexy Food.