London is a city that dazzles with its rich British history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, but for those who love a summer city break, the real adventure lies in uncovering the best local sweet treats. When it comes to indulging your sweet tooth, nothing beats exploring the best ice cream parlors London has to offer.
Discover traditional gelato packed full of flavour, or opt for an Instagramable desert drowned in colour, sweetness and flavours out of the ordinary. Whether your city break consists of wandering through the charming cobbled streets or relaxing in one of London’s lush parks, exploring the best ice cream in London is a journey with savoring.
House of Coco writer, Sally takes to the bustling city of London to uncover and recommend the best ice cream the capital has to offer.
- Badiani
The authentic Italian ice cream parlor originally opened in Florence in 1932 and made its debut in London in 2015. After a huge success, the family-run company now has shops all over the city including Mayfair, Chelsea, Canary Wharf and Covent Garden – you can grab an ice cream to go on any corner of London.
Badiani’s gelato is handmade following age-old artisanal Florentine methods passed down through the family. For those pistachio obsessed, following the viral pistachio and croissant trend, Badiani has used their creative skills to create the pistachio gelato croissant – sound’s dreamy doesn’t it?
Curing all your cravings, Badiani also specalise in gelato cookies, pinguinos, and a pistachio gelato cake!
2. Dipd
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Dipd is London’s newest baked ice cream destination. Imagine it as the Subway of ice cream – start by selecting a brioche bun filled with classic whipped ice cream, then customise it with your choice of toppings.
For sweet lovers, it’s a paradise, offering everything from Oreo and Biscoff to Nutella, cookie dough, and sprinkles. But the experience doesn’t end there – they fry the ice cream in a special machine, transforming it into a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious treat.
Enhance it with a dipping chocolate, or a side of chocolate covered strawberries.
3. Snowflake
Award-winning luxury gelato Snowflake are renowned for their artisan approach handmaking unique ice cream with 100% natural ingredients using organic jersey milk and cream from Somerset – this screams British summertime! The raspberry sorbetto received the Supreme Champion of the Great Taste Award in 2014, but more recently the snow mango has everyone turning heads.
The vibrant mango sorbetto is encased in a dreamy white chocolate and lemon shell, designed to look just like a real mango – the perfect summer treat. Some of the classic flavours, handmade by gelato chefs each day, include Banoffe, Blood Orange, Coconut, and Crème Brulée.
Explore Snowfalke’s award-winning ice creams across London from Soho to South Kensington.
4. British Patagonia
British Patagonia, a beloved traditional bakery, has taken London by storm with a new summer addition that has the city buzzing. Introducing the Ice Crone – London’s latest craze, where a soft serving of ice cream is perched on a flaky, buttery croissant in place of a traditional cone.
Due to its overwhelming popularity, Ice Crones are available daily, but they sell out fast, so be quick if this is your treat of choice! Customise your Ice Crone by selecting your base – strawberry sorbet, pistachio, or a mix of both – and then add your favorite toppings.
In addition to the viral croissant, they also offer a delectable Ferrero Rocher pastry – truly irresistible!
5. Ice Cream Union
Producers of the finest quality ice cream based in the heart of London. Ice Cream Union offers traditional-style ice cream, sourcing the freshest milk directly from The Estate Dairy.
Everything from the sauces to the toppings is made in-house including prepping fruits, making fruit juices, and cooking rippled sauces and nut pastes. For the past 18 years, Ice Cream Union has been supplying their delicious ice creams to London’s top restaurants and chefs, but you can find their ice cream parlor a stone’s throw away from Sloan Square station. With over 50 flavours, choose from cornflake, matcha, salter caramel and Pimms sorbet.
6. Bilmonte
Bilmonte isn’t just any ordinary ice cream parlor in London; it’s a must-try experience. With a simple menu featuring ten classic gelato flavors such as white chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee, the real magic lies in their creative presentation.
Imagine ice cream topped with mini cones filled with chocolate sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence. For something truly unique, try the “Mimi,” a Sicilian-inspired treat combining gelato-based sponge cake, rum drops, whipped cream, and Belgian chocolate topping. This is dessert artistry at its finest.
7. Hans and Gretel
Step into a fairytale world at Hans and Gretel, London’s enchanting dessert parlor where fantasy meets indulgence. Located in Camden, this whimsical spot offers an array of magical treats that are as delightful to the eye as they are to the taste buds.
From their signature candy-laden creations to unique ice cream concoctions served in waffle cones and chimney cakes, Hans and Gretel is a must-visit for anyone seeking a sweet escape in the heart of the city. Perfect for a unique ice cream experience, you wall want to take a snap for the gram.
8. Araw
Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s Chinatown, Araw Ice Cream Parlour stands out as a beacon of frozen delight. This trendy spot is redefining the city’s ice cream scene with its inventive flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.
From the moment you step into Araw, you’re greeted by a tantalizing array of exotic and locally inspired scoops. Taste each corner of the globe, with their culture-inspired ice cream flavours including their signature creations, the matcha swirl and lychee rose sorbet.
If you’re a fan of Thai food, you can taste the delightfulness of mango sticky rice in an ice cream. Take away in ice cream tubs, or sit in with a mini-scoop of six different flavours.
Araw’s sleek, modern décor provides the perfect backdrop for indulging in their creamy, dream-worthy concoctions, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors seeking a sweet escape in the city.
9. Soft Serve Society
For those seeking a modern twist on classic frozen treats, Soft Serve Society in London offers an irresistible desert. Located in Shoreditch’s Box Park and Seven Dials Market, this ice cream parlor redefines the soft serve experience with a menu that’s as visually captivating as it is delicious.
Soft Serve Society takes traditional soft serve to new heights with a vibrant array of inventive flavors and imaginative toppings. From the refreshing passionfruit and mango swirl to the indulgent matcha and white chocolate combination, each creation is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
You can choose to complement your soft serve ice cream with freshly made brownie pieces or delicious sweet fruit. The parlor’s minimalist design, combined with its playful and Instagram-worthy offerings, makes it a must-visit spot for ice cream aficionados and casual explorers alike.
Whether you’re cooling off on a summer day or indulging in a late-night treat, Soft Serve Society promises a delightful experience that celebrates the best of contemporary frozen desserts.
Discovering the best ice cream parlors London offers adds a delightful twist to your summer adventure. From the classic British tastes of Ice Cream Union to the inventive creations at Hans and Gretel and the sweet flavours of mango fruit at Snowflake, each parlor offers a unique experience that elevates the simple pleasure of ice cream.
Whether you’re savoring a pistachio gelato croissant from Badiani, indulging in fried ice cream at Dipd, or relishing the artistry of Araw’s exotic flavors, London’s ice cream scene is a testament to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. When you visit London treating yourself to some of the world’s best ice cream is not just a tasty treat but a celebration of the city’s sweet, summer spirit.
