Five ice cream shops in Wales named amongst best in UK
Ice cream parlours across Wales have been named amongst the best in the UK just in time for the hot weather
Who doesn't love an ice cream in the summer
(Image: Richard Swingler )
With Wales heating up this week, many people will be looking for the best place to grab an ice cream to help cool them down. To make your decision easier, BBC Good Food has named the best ice parlours in the UK with five Welsh shops making the cut.
The parlours featured are spread across Wales with three in multiple locations in the south, one in Eryri and another in Carmarthenshire. The artisanal chocolate shop, Heavenly Chocolate Emporium, in Llandeilo, has been celebrated for its "exceedingly well-churned flavoured gelato".
Glaslyn in Eryri was chosen by BBC Good Food for its "buttery, silky-smooth ice cream" that comes in "intriguing flavours". For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Multiple ice cream shops in Cardiff were mentioned including Swoon, coming in at number five on the list, with mention to the "south-west favourite for gelato", serving classic, Italian-influenced flavours and seasonal specials that "lure regulars back in."
With locations in Swansea, Cardiff and Llanelli, many will have tried Joe's ice cream. BBC Good Food added it to its list of the best in the UK, siting its "eye-catching ice cream cakes" and "must-try" vanilla ice cream.
Cadwaladers has six locations across England and Wales but was founded in Criccieth almost 100 years ago. The Cardiff Bay location got a special mention on the list as it is a popular spot serving savoury snacks and freshly brewed coffees alongside its traditional ice cream.
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BBC Good Food's list of the best ice cream parlours in the UK includes:
Jack's Gelato, Cambridge Gelato Gusto, Brighton Moomaid of Zennor, St Ives Morelli's, Broadstairs Swoon, Cardiff Alandas Gelato, Edinburgh Morelli's, Belfast Caliendo's Gelato, London Darlish, St Albans and Hatfield Ginger's Comfort Emporium, Manchester Joe's Ice cream, Swansea (and other locations) Snugburys, Cheshire Jolly Nice, Gloucestershire Cadwaladers, Cardiff (and other locations) Ruby Violet, London Harbour Bar, Scarborough Gelupo, London Krum Gelato, Chester The Little Ice Cream Shop, Cumbria Romeo & Giulietta, London Heavenly Chocolate Emporium, Carmarthenshire La Gelatiera, London Glaslyn, Snowdonia Minus 12° Craft Ice Cream, London
Swoon
The artisan gelato parlour, Swoon, opened its first and only Welsh location in Cardiff in Duke Street Arcade in 2023. The parlour has been serving fresh gelato made with natural ingredients across England since 2016, inspired by the founder's Italian grandparents who once owned their own gelato bars.
Swoon has 11 staple flavours that are a permanent feature on the menu, including two vegan options as well as offering seasonal guest flavours.
The gelato's creamy texture comes from the way it is slowly churned
(Image: Richard Swingler )
Joe's
Joe's Ice Cream has three parlours in Swansea, one in Llanelli and one in Cardiff in Wellfield Road. In 1922, Giueseppe (Joe) Cascarni introduced his secret Italian gelato recipe to Swansea, as Joe's fresh vanilla gelato - which is still sold in stores today. Ever since, Joe's has expanded with its five stores and now multiple flavours are made with fun-flavoured ice cream cakes available too.
The gelato recipe has remained untouched
(Image: Joe's Ice Cream )
Cadwaladers
For almost 100 years Cadwaladers has been serving ice cream in Wales, starting out in Criccieth then opening stores in Porthmadog, Betws-y-Coed, Cardiff Bay, Porthcawl and Trentham.
As well as delicious classic ice cream flavours, the parlour also sells toasties, sandwiches and other light bites. They also have a specially curated 28/3 Bespoke Espresso blend, served in store.
They have an array of ice cream flavours to choose from
(Image: Western Mail )
Glaslyn
As well as making BBC Good Food's list, Glaslyn was awarded at the National Ice Cream competition this year with the Cadbury Trophy for best chocolate ice cream. It also holds the title of the oldest ice cream parlour in Eryri, dating back to 1970. Owner, Bonnie Rowley took over the business from her parents in 2019, now running it alongside her husband Ross Tugwood. Read about the the world famous ice cream parlour here.
Glaslyn owner Bonnie Rowley and her husband Ross Tugwood with their two dogs, Indi and Rupert
(Image: WalesOnline )
Heavenly Chocolate Emporium
A Welsh chocolate shop has also made the list for serving the best ice cream in the UK according to BBC Good Food.
Heavenly Chocolate Emporium opened the shop in Carmarthenshire in 2005, serving handmade artisan ice cream using only Welsh milk and cream.
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