The big chill: London gelati
Words by Fiona Symington.
AUGUST 2014.
AUGUST 2014.
In the midst of an unseasonable London heatwave, we go in search of respite at London's best gelataria. We begin in Soho sampling some of city's best before heading to Camden, Islington, Richmond and beyond, perfecting our own combination of flavours as we go. Blood orange and licorice anyone?
You know that one scoop is never enough when you find yourself lingering at the entrance to Scoop wondering about seconds having just devoured a double Crème Brûlée/ Bacio. Since opening its doors in 2007, this gelateria has served up some of the best gelato in London. It now has three stores, including the original Covent Garden one. Flavours are straight from the Italian classics with each scoop a celebration of single origin ingredients. Noteworthy ones include Torroncino made with almond or hazelnut nougat from either Piedmont (Italy) or Montelimar (France)and Pistacchio from nuts found in Bronte, Sicily. There are sorbets and cakes to tempt and watch out for its special flavours and events. Open til late, it's the perfect after-dinner spot. Bravissimo.
Covent Garden: 40 Short's Gardens, WC2H 9AB London/ Tel. 020 7240 7086 Hours: Mon - Sun 12:00 - 24:00 (June - Aug); Sun - Wed 12:00 - 22:30, Thu - Sat 12:00 - 23:30 (September to May) |
Amorino is a true cosmopolitan with locations in New York, London, throughout Europe and even New Caledonia. In London, home is Soho where this ice-cream boutique prides itself on its craftsmanship and quality of ingredients. Flavours come from the classics rather than the annals of fashion-cioccolato (chocolate), stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate), dulce de leche (caramel), and our personalf avourite, Sorbetto Bergamotto (made from Calabria lemons). Each cone of gelato is crafted into the shape of a flower - Amorino's signature or for something different, try the ice cream macarons (no explanation needed)! For those that like to alternate their summer with their winter treats, try Amorino's most delicious selection of hot chocolates. There are ten to choose from including arancia e canella(orange and cinnamon) and mandorla (almond).
41 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HF Tel. 0207494 3300 Daily from 12 noon to midnight and sometimes after. |
Since opening in 2010, Jacob Kennedy of Gelupo fame has wowed London with his innovative flavours winning the accolade of Time Out's 2012 Top Things to Do In London. We couldn't agree more. With flavours such as ricotta, chocolate and black pepper and tantalising blood orange, our taste buds are perpetually a spin with this artisan ice-cream makers thesaurus of taste sensations making it our go-to-place for ice-cream in Soho. At the back of the store is a perfect selection of Italian goods from the highly covetable and “we can’t live without” truffle shaver to apple balsamic vinegar, The browsable selection of cookbooks just add to our delight from the absolutely necessary The Geometry of Pasta to the BOCCA cookbook - its older sister restaurant that is just across the street. Perfecto!
7 Archer Street, London W1D 7AU Tel. 7287 5555 Hours: Mon - Thurs 12.00 - 23.30; Fri - Sat 12.00 - 00.30; Sun 12.00 - 23.00 |
My first true experience of gelati was in a cafe on the via del lavatore near the Trevi Fountain in Rome. it was here in one of the city's most famous piazzas that l experienced my first kiss - a baci ice-cream. Intensely rich, deliciously naughty and oh so chocolately, no more so as l was traveling alone. For your own La Dolce Vita moment, Gelateria Danieli has all the romance of an Italian gelateria with its hard to resist organic ice creams and diary free sorbets. With flavours inspired by the seasons, try the very summery elderflower and honey (it tastes as wonderful as it sounds) or the enticing pistachio, fig and mandarin. Chocolate & violet cream will not fail to delight nor will the very British Bakewell Tart. All ice cream is luxuriously creamy made from the milk and cream of the happy cows at Cowdray Estate. Dairy free, nut free, egg free, high protein or gluten free options are also available and the sorbet is just summer perfect. Gelateria Danieli has four locations across London.
Central London: 222 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EB. Tel. 020 7240 1770 Mon - Sat 11:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00- 19:00 |