Choose from old-school dessert parlours, vegan-friendly cafes or futuristic labs, where nitro ice-cream is the frozen treat of choice, in this definitive guide to London’s best ice-cream shops.
1. Bubblewrap
What could be better than a warm crispy waffle oozing silky smooth ice cream topped with fresh fruit, Oreos and chocolate drizzle? Judging by the regular queues outside Bubblewrap in Chinatown, not much. Build your own custom waffle with classic ice creams or limited-edition flavours, choose your toppings and you’re Insta ready. If you’re in a hurry and there’s too long a wait, head to nearby Bake, famous for its fish-shaped taiyaki cones crammed full of matcha ice cream.
Where: Chinatown (24 Wardour Street, W1D 6QJ)
2. Chin Chin Labs
Hand churned using liquid nitrogen, the ice creams at Chin Chin Labs in Camden and Soho are futuristic as well as fabulous. An exciting array of weekly-changing flavours include specials such as Guinness and Marmite or Pantyhose Thai Tea topped off with delicacies such as bee pollen honeycomb, truffle crumble or marshmallow fluff. Your only problem is choosing what to go for.
Where: Soho (54 Greek Street, W1D 3DS) and Camden (49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF)
3. Gelateria 3BIS London
An artisanal Italian ice-cream parlour located in Borough Market and Portobello Road, Gelateria 3BIS London focuses on the history and artisanry behind the classic Italian dessert. This picture-pretty parlour’s sorbet and gelato creations are made using the highest quality ingredients sourced from Italy and are served alongside beautiful pastries and excellent coffee.
Where: Notting Hill (178 Portobello Road, W11 2EB) and Borough Market (4 Park Street, SE1 9AB)
4. Gelatorino
Those with a sweet tooth should visit ultra-cool Gelatorino. Take your pick of handmade, small-batch gelato from a daily-changing menu featuring Italian classics such as amaretto, panettone, gianduja and zabaione, or specials such as pumpkin pie. You’ll also get a tempting crop of sorbets, gelato cake and cocktails, all made using the very best natural ingredients.
Where: Covent Garden (2 Russell Street, WC2B 5JD)
5. Oddono's
Cool down with a delicious ice-cream cone at much loved Oddono's. Open since 2004 and with venues all across town, this family-owned Italian gelato shop offers more than 100 flavours all made from scratch in their artisan laboratory. Try out bestsellers bacio (chocolate and hazelnut) and pistachio, or opt for something more daring such as cinnamon or vodka and lemon.
Where: South Kensington (14 Bute Street, SW7 3EX), Battersea (69 Northcote Road, SW11 1NP), Hampstead (8 Flask Walk, NW3 1HE), East Dulwich (147 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HX), Chiswick (159 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DT), Stoke Newington (42 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0LU) and Wimbledon (52 The Broadway, SW19 1RQ)
6. Gelupo
Stop off for a scoop of artisan gelato at Soho's Gelupo. This London cafe takes its gelato creations seriously and uses specialist churning equipment to ensure the most luxurious outcomes. Be tempted by a ricotta sour cherry or blood orange ice cream, or opt for unusual flavours such as persimmon, Hong Kong milk tea or white chocolate and cardamom. It also serves up a good range of vegan options.
Where: Soho (7 Archer Street, W1D 7AU)
7. La Gelatiera
Creative flavours, such as tongue-tingling chili and basil, or honey, rosemary and orange zest, have won La Gelatiera an impressive list of foodie awards. Championing natural, seasonal ingredients, you can watch creations in the making and learn all about the traditional techniques used at this ice-cream shop in London at its gelato lab. Along with the Covent Garden cafe, you’ll find La Gelateria in OXO Tower and Stratford too.
Where: Covent Garden (27 New Row, WC2N 4LA), South Bank (Unit G5, OXO Tower, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH) and Stratford (1 W Park Walk, East Village, E20 1DH)
8. Amorino
Prepare for ice-cream artistry at Amorino, a tiny place in Camden where the organic Italian ice creams are served in the shape of a rose. With petals of different flavours, the multicoloured options are each prettier than the next. Opt for cheesecake, lime and basil, or try some of the limited-edition flavours such as bergamot and yuzu. There are lots of vegan and gluten-free options available too. Venues also across the city.
Where: Camden (237 Camden High Street, NW1 7BU), Knightsbridge (231 Brompton Road, SW3 2EP), Chelsea (67A Kings Road, SW3 4NT), Kensington (42 Kensington High Street, W8 4PE), Notting Hill (22 Pembridge Road, W11 3HL), Bloomsbury (21 Goodge Street, W1T 2PJ and Russell Square, Unit K2, Brunswick Centre, WC1N 1AW), Soho (41 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HF), Covent Garden (7 Garrick Street, WC2E 9AR) and more. Check official website for full list.
9. Greedy Goat
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 rhubarb and custard, cherry bakewell and more.
Where: Borough Market (Bedale Street, SE1 9AL)
10. Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream
Transport yourself to the streets of Manila with a trip to Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream, which brings Filipino flavours and techniques to Chinatown. Don't be fooled by its name, the hygiene is top-notch at this parlour, which churns out flavours such as purple ube, milo, black buko and vegan specials guyabano and calamansi. Don’t miss the traditional halo halo.
Where: Chinatown (32 Newport Court, WC2H 7PQ), Kentish Town (91 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NY) and Shepherd's Bush (Kiosk 1018B, Westfield, Ariel Way, W12 7GF)
11. Soft Serve Society
If you prefer yours soft-serve, venture to Soft Serve Society in various locations in east and west London. With toppings including candy floss and popping candy, flavours such as charcoal, and freakshakes overflowing with naughtiness, you'll cause serious ice-cream envy among your friends.
Where: Liverpool Street (Unit 3, Boxhall City, EC2M 9PN) and Covent Garden (Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LD)
12. Ruby Violet
Get your gelato gratification at Ruby Violet's swanky parlour in King's Cross. Here, scrumptious small-batch frozen treats made from organic milk, free-range eggs and ethically sourced ingredients await the lucky visitor.
Where: King's Cross (Midland Goods Shed, 3 Wharf Road, N1C 4BZ)
13. The Parlour
Treat yourself at high-end ice-cream spot, The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. Alongside its selection of indulgent ice creams, including an afternoon tea-inspired sundae, this luxurious London eatery also offers artisanal coffee, hot chocolate and savoury snacks.
Where: St James's (1st floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER)
14. Udderlicious
Wander over to Udderlicious in Islington for top 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 ice-cream shop.
Where: Islington (187 Upper Street, N1 1RQ), Covent Garden (24 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LN) and Crouch End (17 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane, N8 8PP)
For more sweet treats, check out some of the best London chocolate shops, visit a scrumptious cake shop or treat yourself to afternoon tea in London.
