Irresistible Ice Cream

The summer party season is hot on our heels and with the likes of British designer Tom Dixon hosting the Carpigiani Gelato University at his recent Milan show, delicious artisan ice creams are more popular than ever. We’ve picked some of the UK’s most inspiring ice-cream producers to help you make your entertaining extra special.

Ginger’s Comfort Emporium (1)

This twinkling van is usually found on the streets of Manchester at night time, adorned with fairy lights, and is definitely one for the grown-ups. Purveying ice-cream flavours with an adventurous twist such as Marmalade and Toast, a tangy and tart, sweet and crunchy ice cream, and Chorlton Crack also known as Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium refreshes its menu seasonally.

A regular feature at trendy UK events like The Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire and South Manchester Street Markets, you can also hire the Comfort Emporium for your own private parties and summer soirees where they can serve sorbet canapés and ice-cream cakes in vintage usher boxes. For locals, the company offers Dessert Boxes delivered to your door in giant wafer tubs that can be kept in the freezer until your party – if you can resist eating them immediately!

Keep an eye out for the book: ‘Melt. Ice-cream from Ginger’s Comfort Emporium’ out next year.

(gingerscomfortemporium.com)

Gelupo (2)

Italian gelateria Gelupo in London’s Soho has been the name on every foodie’s lips since it opened last summer. Seemingly straight out of a 1950s Italian Rivera resort with its pastel blue and white striped colour scheme, this artisan gelateria offers pillow soft gelato, sorbet and granita in eight unique flavours, served in a cone, cup or atop a cake.

Borrow the essence of this super sweet eatery by hiring out its charming blue and white gelato cart for any time from a half-hour surprise stop-by or a whole day’s event. Call 020 7287 5555 for a bespoke quote.

(gelupo.com)

Polka Gelato (3)

This super minimal Italian gelateria in London’s Fitzrovia area, lets its gem-like offerings speak for themselves. Using fresh and natural ingredients to make its ice cream, Polka Gelato’s handmade mixtures are crafted and layered into small batches and fun-loving popsicles.

Take away Polka’s New York inspired ice pops and sorbets made of exotic fruits, herbs and spices. A potential alternative to summer cocktails – Mojito, Pink Lemonade Sherbet, and Strawberry & Balsamic really pack a punch at parties. They also offer a gelato cake for birthdays and special occasions that will make you feel like a kid again!

(polkagelato.co.uk)