Best ice cream shops in London

Tuck into an inspired selection of completely allergen-free and vegan ice cream and shakes at Yorica. You won’t find dairy, nuts, eggs, gluten or other hidden allergens in this London shop’s picture-perfect ice cream creations, meaning that absolutely everyone can enjoy them.

Milk Train has taken soft serve ice cream to a new level with its quirky cafe in Covent Garden. The showstopper in the shop’s creative portfolio is the dreamy candyfloss cone, which combines two of your favourite childhood treats - ice cream surrounded by a cloud of candyfloss.

Ruby Violet sits on the bespoke end of London's magnificent ice cream sphere. Head over to the swanky parlours in Tufnell Park or King's Cross to enjoy scrumptious small-batch frozen treats made from organic milk, free-range eggs and ethically-sourced ingredients.

Stop off at the beautiful art-themed Riley The Ice Cream Cafe in Crouch End. This lovely London spot offers a range of homemade frozen treats, as well as a menu packed with Mediterranean-inspired salads, sandwiches and tarts.

Head over to Lick, which offers a tasty range of 24 unique ice cream flavours every day. Sample gelato-based milkshakes, floats and affogato (coffee and gelato) made using Illy coffee at this independent ice cream parlour in London. There’s also an array of gelato cakes, allergy-friendly gelato and a selection of alcoholic flavours for adults.

Treat yourself at high-end ice cream spot The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. As well as a selection of new and innovative ice creams, including an afternoon tea-inspired sundae, this luxurious London eatery also offers artisanal coffee, hot chocolate and savoury snacks.

Indulge in amazing desserts at one of Amorino's gelato boutiques dotted around the capital. Created by two childhood friends in 2002, this Italian ice cream shop focuses on all things authentic gelato. As you’d expect, the drool-inducing menu doesn’t feature any artificial ingredients.

Get quirky at Chin Chin Labs, the go-to parlour for liquid nitrogen ice cream in London. Be wowed as your dazzling dessert is frozen to order using a dash of liquid nitrogen, and select from an exciting array of weekly-changing flavours at this cool cafe in Camden.

Pick up one of London’s most Instagram-worthy treats at Bubblewrap. Head over to Chinatown to get your hands on a bubbly gelato-filled waffle topped with an assortment of goodies, from Oreos to salted caramel and raspberries.

Stop off for a deliciously flavoursome scoop of artisan gelato from Gelupo. This London cafe takes its gelato creations seriously and uses specialist churning equipment to ensure a more luxurious outcome. Try the chocolate sorbet, which has been specially crafted to emphasise the essence of the decadent dessert.

Boasting an authentic approach to Italian gelato, La Gelatiera has won an impressive list of foodie awards. Its name refers to the gelato churn used in Italy, and reflects the spot’s dedication to handmade treats. Drop by the gelato laboratory to learn all about the traditional techniques used at this ice cream shop in London.

Fall in love with a selection of luxurious desserts at Selfridge's Snowflake. This artisan ice-cream-maker offers sweet puddings created using organic milk and nuts grown in the Italian mountains. You can tuck into a delectable selection of waffles, crepes, ice cream sundaes and vegan desserts.

Cool down with a delicious ice cream cone at much-loved Oddono's. Open since 2004, this family-owned Italian gelato shop has a range of more than 100 flavours and makes its authentic delicious creations daily at an Artisan Laboratory using in-house recipes.

Pick up a pot of guilt-free ice cream at Greedy Goat in Borough Market. This popular stall on the London ice cream scene serves up a flavour-packed selection of desserts made using British goat’s milk. Take your pick from deliciously inventive flavours including apple pie, chilli and raspberry, gin and tonic and more.

Wander over to the Udderlicious in Islington for high-quality ice cream treats. You’ll find a decadent selection of handmade ice cream and sorbet, from wild cherry to Irish coffee. If you’re celebrating, make sure to ask about the personalised ice cream cakes which are a firm favourite with visitors to this London cafe.

Located in Borough Market, Gelateria 3BIS London focuses on the history and craftsmanship behind the tasty Italian dessert. This picture-pretty parlour’s sorbet and gelato creations are made using the highest quality ingredients sourced from Italy. You’ll also find beautiful pastries and incredible coffee.

Get your hands on some of La Grotta Ices' homemade desserts from Spa Terminus in Bermondsey on limited Saturdays from May to September. Alternatively, you can pick up a tub of its ice cream from Leila's Shop on Calvert Avenue or at the E5 Bakehouse.

Those with a sweet tooth should visit the ultra-cool Gelatorino. Take your pick from delicious Italian flavour creations including amaretto and panettone, as well as sorbet and gelato cocktails, made using only the very best natural ingredients.