When the summer heat kicks in, there’s no better way to cool down than with a nice scoop of delicious ice cream – and if there is, we don’t want to hear about it. Ice cream cones, cups, sandwiches and more, in flavours ranging from classic to wildly experimental, can be found all over London. It’s a good thing we’re here to help point you towards the best of the best. Read on for the best ice cream in the city!
The best ice cream in London
In this guide
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The best ice cream shops in London
- Milk Train – Cotton candy creations
- Chin Chin Ice Cream – The mad scientists of ice cream
- Gelupo – Authentic Italian gelato
- Pan-n-Ice – The purveyors of rolled ice cream
- Japan Centre – Mochi heaven
- Snowflake Gelato – Luxury ice cream brand
- Mamasons – London's first Filipino ice cream parlour
- Oddono's – Gelato like nonna used to make
- Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta – A love for classic Italian gelato
- Nardulli – Clapham's beloved, genuine gelato
- Soft Serve Society – Trendy soft serve in unusual flavours
- Udderlicious Ice Cream – Ice cream democracy
- Greedy Goat – Alternative to cows' milk ice cream
- Ice Cream Union – Refining the craft of ice cream
- Ruby Violet – Quintessentially British
- La Gelatiera – Slow Food principles of enjoyment
- Chinatown Bakery – Golden fish-cone treats
- Gelatorino – Ice cream from the streets of Turin
- Gelateria 3Bis – Exported from Rimini to London
- Happy Endings – The earls of ice cream sandwiches
- Diwan Damas – Damascene specialty
- Gelateria Danieli & Danieli on the Green – Ice cream fit for a queen
- Tsujiri – Japanese flavours
- Festok – Artisan Lebanese ice cream
The best ice cream shops in London
Cotton candy creations
Milk Train apparently doesn’t believe in such a thing as too much sugar, enveloping their ice cream cones in fluffy clouds of candy floss. The highly photogenic creations are not only deliciously cool, they’re sure to make your feed pop, especially if you snap a photo against the café’s pretty, floral-printed backdrop. Afterwards, devour your treat in gloriously messy fashion in one of the snug booths.
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12 Tavistock St, Covent Garden
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
The mad scientists of ice cream
A fixture of summertime in the city, Chin Chin Ice Cream pioneered using liquid nitrogen to hand-churn their ice cream. Add in fearless experimentation with unusual flavours such as coffee & olive oil or tahini halva, as well as a flair for colourful, social-media-friendly dessert arrangements, and it’s easy to understand the hype. In addition to classic flavours such as strawberry shiso or Valrhona choc and an array of toppings, the different locations offer exclusive flavours and desserts as well.
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49-50 Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town 54 Greek St, SohoChin Chin Labs
49-50 Camden Lock Pl, Camden TownChin Chin Dessert Club
54 Greek St, Soho -
Chin Chin Labs
chinchinicecream.com/chin-chin-ice-cream/camdenChin Chin Dessert Club
chinchinicecream.com/chin-chin-ice-cream/soho -
Chin Chin Labs Chin Chin Dessert Club
Authentic Italian gelato
Gelupo is a sibling venture from the proprietors of the Bocca di Lupo Italian restaurant across the street, using quality ingredients to whip up fresh daily batches of authentic gelati and sorbetti. The flavours are inspired by the various regions of Italy, with the Etna showcasing the Sicilian fondness for pistachios, for example, or the Torino recreating the rich coffee textures of Turin’s bicerin drink. Refined takes on more classic choices such as raspberry or bitter chocolate are available as well.
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7 Archer St, Soho
- Website • 020-728 755 55
- Read more on Thatsup
The purveyors of rolled ice cream
Pan-n-Ice is the esteemed provider of authentic Thai ice rolls in the UK, with five permanent locations, including three in venues around London. Their journey began in 2015, when the owner, Henry, embarked on a transformative trip to Thailand with a friend and was mesmerised by the artistry of rolled ice cream. He eventually brought the concept to his homeland in England, where they now serve the ice cream at more than 300 events annually.
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Argyll Street, Soho Westfield Stratford City - Ground Floor, Montfichet Road, Newham Westfield London Shopping Centre Ariel Way, Kiosk 2210, Hammersmith and FulhamPan-n-Ice Oxford Circus
Argyll Street, SohoPan-n-Ice Westfield Stratford
Westfield Stratford City - Ground Floor, Montfichet Road, NewhamPan-n-Ice Westfield White City
Westfield London Shopping Centre Ariel Way, Kiosk 2210, Hammersmith and Fulham -
Pan-n-Ice Oxford Circus
pan-n-ice.co.ukPan-n-Ice Westfield Stratford
pan-n-ice.co.uk/pages/westfield-stratford-parlourPan-n-Ice Westfield White City
pan-n-ice.co.uk/pages/parlours-londonPan-n-Ice Oxford Circus
077-873 593 61Pan-n-Ice Westfield Stratford
020-853 494 32Pan-n-Ice Westfield White City
020-874 980 45 -
Pan-n-Ice Oxford Circus Pan-n-Ice Westfield Stratford Pan-n-Ice Westfield White City
Mochi heaven
Indulge in Japanese mochi, expertly crafted and freshly baked daily by a skilled baker at Japan Centre, conveniently located in Central London. Sink your teeth into an enticing selection, including mochi doughnuts, mochi ice cream, mochi cookies, mochi daifuku, and mochi dango. To complement the mochi, they also serve refreshing bubble tea.
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35B Panton Street, Westminster/Covent Garden
- Website • 08-708 200 055
- Read more on Thatsup
Luxury ice cream brand
Snowflake Gelato made headlines with its expensive “billionaire’s soft serve”, which involved Persian sea salt, edible gold pearls, a macaron and edible 24-karat gold. Aside from such decadence, the artisanal brand uses natural, locally sourced ingredients to handcraft over 50 flavours, including award-winning classics such as raspberry or dark chocolate, as well as more unusual choices such as torta della nonna or date & honey. Many of their boutiques also offer other tempting treats, for example gelato pastries.
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44 Edgware Rd 102 Wardour St, Soho 42 Thurloe St, Kensington The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Rd, NewhamSnowflake Gelato Marble Arch
44 Edgware RdSnowflake Gelato Soho
102 Wardour St, SohoSnowflake Gelato South Kensington
42 Thurloe St, KensingtonSnowflake Gelato The O2
The O2, Peninsula Square, GreenwichSnowflake Gelato Westfield London Shepherd's Bush
Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and FulhamSnowflake Gelato Westfield Stratford
Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Rd, Newham -
Snowflake Gelato Marble Arch
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/marble-archSnowflake Gelato Soho
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/sohoSnowflake Gelato South Kensington
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/south-kensingtonSnowflake Gelato Westfield London Shepherd's Bush
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/westfield-londonSnowflake Gelato Westfield Stratford
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/bayswaterSnowflake Gelato The O2
snowflakegelato.co.uk/boutique-page/o2Snowflake Gelato Marble Arch
020-772 335 56Snowflake Gelato Soho
020-728 710 45Snowflake Gelato South Kensington
020-758 990 41Snowflake Gelato Westfield London Shepherd's Bush
020-874 913 60 -
Snowflake Gelato Marble Arch Snowflake Gelato Soho Snowflake Gelato South Kensington Snowflake Gelato Westfield London Shepherd's Bush Snowflake Gelato Westfield Stratford Snowflake Gelato The O2
London's first Filipino ice cream parlour
Mamasons serves “dirty ice cream”, but don’t go calling the health inspectors on them just yet – that’s just a nickname for the ice cream sold on Manila’s streets. It’s whipped up in a steel drum and features flavours that are seldom seen in the West, so don’t count on plain old vanilla – this is a place for adventurous scoops of purple ube yam, black coconut and even cheese. Alternatively, try the award-winning toasted ice cream sandwich.
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32 Newport Ct, Soho/Covent Garden 91 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and FulhamMamasons Chinatown
32 Newport Ct, Soho/Covent GardenMamasons Kentish Town
91 Kentish Town Rd, Camden TownMamasons Westfield London
Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham -
Mamasons Chinatown
dirtyicecream.co.ukMamasons Kentish Town
dirtyicecream.co.ukMamasons Westfield London
dirtyicecream.co.ukMamasons Chinatown
020-728 779 55Mamasons Kentish Town
020-272 877 955 -
Mamasons Chinatown Mamasons Kentish Town Mamasons Westfield London
Gelato like nonna used to make
Oddono’s has been a fixture on the city’s ice cream market for nearly two decades, making authentic Italian gelato and sorbet from globally.-sourced ingredients. The in-house recipes are inspired by founder Christian Oddono’s grandmother, and the company has made more than 130 flavours during its existence. These include classic bestsellers such as chocolate, mango or coconut, as well as more unusual choices along the lines of lemon vodka or basil. The ice cream parlours also serve hot drinks.
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69 Northcote Rd, Battersea 159 Chiswick High Rd., Hounslow 147 Lordship Ln 8 Flask Walk, Hampstead 14 Bute St, Kensington 42 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington 52 The Broadway, Wimbledon/MertonOddono's Battersea
69 Northcote Rd, BatterseaOddono's Chiswick
159 Chiswick High Rd., HounslowOddono's East Dulwich
147 Lordship LnOddono's Hampstead
8 Flask Walk, HampsteadOddono's South Kensington
14 Bute St, KensingtonOddono's Stoke Newington
42 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke NewingtonOddono's Wimbledon
52 The Broadway, Wimbledon/Merton -
Oddono's Battersea
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's Chiswick
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's East Dulwich
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's Hampstead
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's South Kensington
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's Stoke Newington
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's Wimbledon
oddonos.com/index.htmlOddono's Battersea
033-380 004 80Oddono's Chiswick
033-380 004 80Oddono's East Dulwich
033-380 004 80Oddono's Hampstead
033-380 004 80Oddono's South Kensington
033-380 004 80Oddono's Stoke Newington
033-380 004 80Oddono's Wimbledon
033-380 004 80 -
Oddono's Battersea Oddono's Chiswick Oddono's East Dulwich Oddono's Hampstead Oddono's South Kensington Oddono's Stoke Newington Oddono's Wimbledon
A love for classic Italian gelato
The Romeo and Juliet behind this beloved gelateria are a Romanian couple whose time living in Verona inspired them to open their dream ice cream parlour in Stoke Newington. They make fresh, creamy gelato according to an artisanal recipe from Rome, with a variety of classic yet intense flavours to choose from, for example lemon sorbet, tiramisu and salted caramel. In 2022, they expanded for the first time, bringing their rich scoops to Leyton.
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37 Albion Rd, Stoke Newington 330 Lea Bridge Rd, Walthamstow/Leyton/Waltham ForestGelateria Romeo & Giulietta Stoke Newington
37 Albion Rd, Stoke NewingtonGelateria Romeo & Giulietta Leyton
330 Lea Bridge Rd, Walthamstow/Leyton/Waltham Forest -
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Stoke Newington
gelateriarg.co.ukGelateria Romeo & Giulietta Leyton
gelateriarg.co.ukGelateria Romeo & Giulietta Stoke Newington
020-725 479 72Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Leyton
020-855 682 85 -
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Stoke Newington Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Leyton
Clapham's beloved, genuine gelato
Queues out the door have been a constant here ever since Lorenzo Nardulli first opened his ice cream parlour in 2009. A bastion of Italian authenticity, the tubs of creamy gelato at the shop are crafted according to traditional recipes, using conscientiously sourced ingredients from around the world. Instead of flavour experimentation, the gelateria relies on a comprehensive range of classics such as vanilla or pistachio, with popular highlights including fig and coffee. The latter is also a big draw in its hot liquid form here.
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29 The Pavement, Clapham
- Website • 020-772 053 31
- Read more on Thatsup
Trendy soft serve in unusual flavours
The hip, Instagram-friendly creations at Shoreditch’s Soft Serve Society quickly became one of Boxpark’s highlights, with patrons charmed by the striking, charcoal-coloured milkshakes, black cones and green matcha sundaes. You can complement one of the small number of ice cream flavours with toppings such as Oreo crumbs, salted caramel sauce and butter-cookie crumbs to ensure you won’t lack for variety. They also do bubble tea and hot drinks.
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BOXPARK Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham St, Covent GardenSoft Serve Society Boxpark Shoreditch
BOXPARK Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch/Tower HamletsSoft Serve Society Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham St, Covent Garden -
Soft Serve Society Boxpark Shoreditch
softservesociety.comSoft Serve Society Seven Dials Market
softservesociety.com -
Soft Serve Society Boxpark Shoreditch Soft Serve Society Seven Dials Market
Ice cream democracy
At Udderlicious, you get to have your say on the monthly flavours. You can vote for your favourites online, choosing from more than 140 different aspiring candidates. These include classic champions such as salted caramel and lemon sorbet, as well as feistier title contenders such as builder’s tea & digestive, bakewell pudding and even seaweed. It’s best to check the website ahead of paying the group a visit, as the flavour selection varies according to location as well as month, but the scoops are always handmade from quality ingredients.
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187 Upper St, Islington 24 Earlham St, Covent Garden BOXPARK Wembley, Wembley/BrentUdderlicious Ice Cream Islington
187 Upper St, IslingtonUdderlicious Ice Cream Covent Garden
24 Earlham St, Covent GardenUdderlicious Ice Cream Boxpark
BOXPARK Wembley, Wembley/Brent -
Udderlicious Ice Cream Islington
udderlicious.co.ukUdderlicious Ice Cream Covent Garden
udderlicious.co.ukUdderlicious Ice Cream Boxpark
udderlicious.co.ukUdderlicious Ice Cream Islington
020-735 977 77Udderlicious Ice Cream Covent Garden
020-783 625 27Udderlicious Ice Cream Boxpark
020-719 936 23 -
Udderlicious Ice Cream Islington Udderlicious Ice Cream Covent Garden Udderlicious Ice Cream Boxpark
Alternative to cows' milk ice cream
Greedy Goat eschews the cows' milk preferred by most ice cream vendors in favour of British goats' milk, advocating increased calcium and magnesium, as well as high vitamin A and potassium levels, among its benefits. Their peppy Borough Market stall offers scoops of Cherry Bakewell, banana and pecan and other classic favourites.
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Borough Market, Bedale St, Southwark
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Refining the craft of ice cream
The Ice Cream Union emphasises production techniques and conscientious sourcing of ingredients in its artisanal ice cream, striving to break conventions and redefine people’s perceptions of ice cream. Flavour-wise, this is also reflected in options such as Pimm’s, Aperol spritz and sunsweet melon sorbet. In addition to such seasonal highlights, you can choose from over 50 other flavours of the small-batch frozen delights.
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166 Pavilion Rd, Chelsea Spa Terminus, Saint James's Road, BermondseyParlour by the Ice Cream Union
166 Pavilion Rd, ChelseaIce Cream Union Factory
Spa Terminus, Saint James's Road, Bermondsey -
Parlour by the Ice Cream Union
icecreamunion.comIce Cream Union Factory
icecreamunion.com -
Parlour by the Ice Cream Union Ice Cream Union Factory
Quintessentially British
Using organic milk, free-range eggs and fresh fruit, Ruby Violet brings out the flavours of British summertime through ice cream and sorbets at its charmingly vintage King’s Cross parlour. Of the more than 150 flavours created by the founder so far, best-sellers include fresh mint & cucumber, lavender and hot cross bun. If you’re finding it too difficult to choose, you can even order a tasting menu.
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Stable St, King's Cross
- Website • 019-081 090 18
- Read more on Thatsup
Slow Food principles of enjoyment
Supercharged by the scientific creativity of co-founder and resident ice cream maestro Antonio, the freshly made, all-natural artisanal ice cream at La Gelateria comes in a vast array of classic and bold flavours. Their shops serve a selection of best-sellers and new or unusual arrivals such as the aromatic pine nut gelato, the rich Cornish blue cheese & walnuts combo, or the tingly basil & chilli.
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27 New Row, Covent Garden 17 Topsfield Parade, Haringey 1 W Park Walk, Newham Barge House St, South Bank/SouthwarkLa Gelatiera Covent Garden
27 New Row, Covent GardenLa Gelatiera Crouch End
17 Topsfield Parade, HaringeyLa Gelatiera East Village
1 W Park Walk, NewhamLa Gelatiera Oxo Tower
Barge House St, South Bank/Southwark -
La Gelatiera Covent Garden
lagelatiera.co.uk/index.htmlLa Gelatiera Crouch End
lagelatiera.co.uk/index.htmlLa Gelatiera East Village
lagelatiera.co.uk/index.htmlLa Gelatiera Oxo Tower
lagelatiera.co.uk/index.htmlLa Gelatiera Covent Garden
020-783 695 59La Gelatiera Crouch End
020-834 169 85La Gelatiera East Village
020-851 997 09 -
La Gelatiera Covent Garden La Gelatiera Crouch End La Gelatiera East Village La Gelatiera Oxo Tower
Golden fish-cone treats
Chinatown Bakery is a Wardour Street institution and one of the sources of the ever-popular taiyaki, golden fish-shaped cakes with custard or other fillings. Especially in summertime, Bake's taiyaki ice cream cones are a common sight on Chinatown's streets and Instagram feeds, with the fish packed with refreshing vanilla or matcha soft serve.
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9 Wardour St, Soho/Covent Garden 7-9 Newport Place, Soho/Covent GardenChinatown Bakery Presents Tong Tea
9 Wardour St, Soho/Covent GardenChinatown Bakery Newport Place
7-9 Newport Place, Soho/Covent Garden -
Chinatown Bakery Presents Tong Tea
chinatown.co.uk/en/restaurant/chinatown-bakery-tong-teaChinatown Bakery Newport Place
chinatown.co.uk/en/bar-cafe/chinatown-bakery -
Chinatown Bakery Presents Tong Tea Chinatown Bakery Newport Place
Ice cream from the streets of Turin
At this minimalistic café in Covent Garden, you can get creamy award-winning gelato made using carefully sourced produce and traditional Turinese techniques, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. The ice cream is available in a variety of flavours, from Italian staples such as hazelnut and fior di latte to rich scoops of gianduja, rum & raisins and nougat. You can also go for more international choices, such as Earl Grey or New York cheesecake, or pick one of the many fruit-based sorbets.
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2 Russell St, Covent Garden
- Website • 020-724 007 46
- Read more on Thatsup
Exported from Rimini to London
Gelateria 3Bis originated in Rimini, deciding to instigate a push onto London’s underdeveloped artisanal gelato market in 2012. More than ten years later, their parlours offer a range of authentic Italian flavours, made according to traditional techniques and from carefully sourced ingredients. In addition, you can get crepes, cakes, waffles and other treats here, including the Chocoshot – a short cone with coffee or chocolate at the bottom.
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Borough Market, 4 Park St, Southwark 178 Portobello Rd, Notting HillGelateria 3Bis Borough Market
Borough Market, 4 Park St, SouthwarkGelateria 3Bis Notting Hill
178 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill -
Gelateria 3Bis Borough Market
gelateria3bis.co.ukGelateria 3Bis Notting Hill
gelateria3bis.co.ukGelateria 3Bis Borough Market
020-737 819 77Gelateria 3Bis Notting Hill
020-722 145 00 -
Gelateria 3Bis Borough Market Gelateria 3Bis Notting Hill
The earls of ice cream sandwiches
The ice cream sandwiches at Happy Endings are on another level, with tasty ice cream slathered onto crunchy pastry, smushed together and dipped in, say, chocolate for good measure. For example, their Tres Leches sando features three milks parfait and salted dulce de leche between layers of sponge cake, while The Malty One is a malted milk parfait between oaty biscuits, covered in malt crumbs and half-dipped in milk chocolate. The Happy Endings sandwiches are also stocked by shops and restaurants around London, check their website for the full list.
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437 Burdett Rd, Tower Hamlets
- Website • 078-588 730 26
- Read more on Thatsup
Damascene specialty
This compact Damascene confectionery in Marble Arch specialises in very sweet Middle Eastern treats that often use shredded filo pastry, but another big draw is the bouzza ice cream. This thick, chewy Syrian take on pistachio ice cream is beaten until all the air is driven out of it, and this place supposedly has some of the best in the world.
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121 Edgware Rd
- 020-362 047 54
- Read more on Thatsup
Ice cream fit for a queen
A family-run Richmond mainstay, Gelateria Danieli serves a changing selection of 24 flavours, including classics as well as various specials and one-offs, for example custard & cherry, pine nut, Sicilian cactus fruit or Christmas pudding. In summer, a further 18 flavours can be found at their chocolate confectionery spin-off down the street. They also serve proper Italian coffee and count Queen Elizabeth II among their customers – she was served their vanilla on her 80th.
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16 Brewers Ln, Richmond 13 The Grn, RichmondGelateria Danieli
16 Brewers Ln, RichmondDanieli on the Green
13 The Grn, Richmond -
Gelateria Danieli
gelateriadanieli.comDanieli on the Green
danielichocolates.comGelateria Danieli
020-843 998 07Danieli on the Green
020-843 991 11 -
Gelateria Danieli Danieli on the Green
Japanese flavours
Japanese dessert shop Tsujiri is much-loved by London's matcha fans. This modern and minimalist venue specialises in ice cream and hot and cold drinks. You can sample soft serve cups and cones, sundaes, and ice cream floats in inspiring flavours like matcha and black sesame, or get a mix. Ice cream lovers can further customise their treat with toppings like green tea power, red bean paste, and crunchy crackers.
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163 Water Ln, Hawley Wharf, Camden Town 33 Newport Ct, Soho/Covent GardenTsujiri Camden
163 Water Ln, Hawley Wharf, Camden TownTsujiri Chinatown
33 Newport Ct, Soho/Covent Garden -
Tsujiri Camden
tsujiri.co.ukTsujiri Chinatown
tsujiri.co.uk -
Tsujiri Camden Tsujiri Chinatown
Artisan Lebanese ice cream
Festok is the only producer of Lebanese ice cream in capital. Having started out at local food markets, it now offers city-wide delivery and operates a charming ice cream parlour in the Marylebone area. Using natural ingredients, Festok offers a range of flavours spanning both traditional and innovative options, with classics like pistachio and rose sitting alongside bespoke creations such as halva and date. Vegan flavours are available as well.
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14a St Christopher's Pl, Marylebone
- Website • 078-797 976 79
- Read more on Thatsup