Hello, ladies and gents, this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about
The best ice cream in London
Amorino
With London outposts from Camden to Chelsea, this international gelato chain is a big presence in the capital, famous for its highly photogenic ‘flower cones’ (thin slabs of ice cream artfully arranged like petals). Expect a mash-up of reworked classic flavours and more exotic options – from coffee, salted caramel and chocolate to banana, passion fruit and amarena cream with black cherries. Also check out novelties such as their ice-cream waffles, crêpes and gelato burgers (two scoops in a sweet bun).
Chin Chin Dessert Club
Those nitro-fuelled experimentalists at Chin Chin are the Willy Wonkas of the ice-cream world, and this Soho shop is an ostentatious showcase for their wares. Not only their signature ices (anyone for halva black tahini?), but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles. We adore their fantastically moreish taco wafer stuffed with avocado ice cream and topped with sharp yuzu cream.
Chin Chin Labs
World’s best science lab? Ahrash and Nyisha Akbari-Kalhur broke the mould when they started freezing ice cream amid billowing clouds of liquid nitrogen back in 2010. Gimmick? Nope: because the custard base gets frozen instantly, the results are gorgeously dense and crystal-free. The flavours are straight, but it’s all about pimping them with sprinkles, sauces and powders from a veritable chemistry set of out-there extras (grilled white chocolate, truffle crumble, caramelised pretzels etc).
Cremoloso Gelato
Although it doubles as an Italian neighbourhood café serving pizzas, cakes, desserts and suchlike, Cremoloso really scores with its line-up of cool gelati. Run by a young Italian couple, the place offers around 20 flavours (plus some sorbets) – everything from rum and raisin, banana and strawberry to pomegranate, stracciatella and Snickers. They also do ice-cream waffles and a sandwich combo stuffed in Sicilian brioche. You can also buy tubs to take away.
Gelateria 3bis
Funny name, seriously good ice cream. Located by Borough Market, white-tiled 3Bis (the postcode of Italy’s first ice-cream factory, apparently) has a playful feel, with cabinets full of chocolate-splattered lollies and a whirring gelato machine churning away in front of you. Quality doesn’t come cheap hereabouts – a large cone won’t leave change from a fiver, but it’s totally worth it. Also check out their frozen yoghurt and gelato crêpes. A second branch is now trading on Portobello Road.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
Comments
Post a Comment