Five minutes with Bibi Morelli Schofield, Morelli's Gelato, WC2E
How has London’s taste in ice cream changed over the years?
Now more than ever customers are mindful of health and nutrition, so expect to see fresh, quality options that are lactose and sugar free plus vegan alternatives.
Tell us about Morelli’s unique history...
My great great grandfather started Morelli’s in 1907. He made ice cream by hand every morning and sent his two sons out with a bicycle cart, even in winter. The little cart became a bigger cart and eventually progressed to a van. Then in 1932, we opened our first shop, and today can be found in Covent Garden near the Royal Opera House.
What sets Morelli’s gelato apart?
The secret family recipe hasn’t changed for five generations. There are no artificial flavours or colours and we make our ice cream on-site every day whereas most mainstream producers create theirs in a central kitchen and transport it to locations. We believe that changes the quality of the ice cream - you can’t beat the taste of ice cream as it's coming out of the machine.
What’s hot for this summer?
Ice cream is big business for us when the sun is shining. We’ve made a special edition of gelato to celebrate the Coronation. I read that King Charles loves to put a tipple of whisky in his Darjeeling tea so we are using those flavours as inspiration to create Coronation-themed ice cream.
What is Morelli’s most popular flavour?
Pure Pistachio and Alphonso Mango are our most popular flavours as are Vanilla and anything with chocolate. We use Colombian chocolate, whilst over the years we’ve had flavours such as pear and ricotta and dark chocolate with pomegranate. We use the best quality hazelnuts from Piedmont and our pistachios are from a grower in Sicily. We always source premium ingredients which ensures we are able to deliver quality artisan gelato.
Venchi,SW3
Using the same carefully selected and prized ingredients as their renowned chocolate, Venchi’s gelato is just as prestigious. Celebrating their Italian heritage with several gelato counters across the capital and worldwide, Venchi’s 90 classic and original flavours are a must try, pop in for your very own taste of Italy.
Ruby Violet, N1C
Enjoy sensational lip-smacking ice creams, vegan sorbets and exotic creations made in a traditionally British way. Whether you are celebrating an occasion and need an ice cream cake, or are looking for an exciting new flavour to try, Ruby Violet has it all.
Soft Serve Society, E1
Back in the days of Mr Whippys and 99s, the Soft Serve Society takes an elevated approach to the old-school classic of soft serve ice cream. With an assortment of combinations and toppings, relive your childhood and take this traditional dessert to the next level.
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Image above: Venchi Image above: Ruby Violet
Milk Train Cafe, WC2E
In the heart of Covent Garden, this trailblazing ice cream brand is home to the UK’s first candyfloss ice cream cones. Exploring creative new methods, their ice cream pints are inspired by travel and transport tasters to a variety of destinations. All aboard the Milk Train!
Snowflake, W2
Award-winning luxury gelato. Taking after their name, Snowflake's handmade gelato is intricate, unique and each batch is carefully curated daily with locally sourced natural ingredients using traditional Italian techniques. Simply watch the magic unfold one scoop at a time.
Gelupo, W1D
Established in 2010, Gelupo arguably makes the tastiest gelato in London.Offering a wide variety of delicious flavours including classics such as Pistachio and Hazelnut as well as their creative ever-changing menu. This gelato is the perfect treat.
Chin Chin Ice Cream, N1W
Within the icy clouds, Europe’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour, Chin Chin, is an inventive science-inspired lab. Founded over 13 years ago offering ice cream sandwiches to weird and wonderful flavours frozen in front of your eyes, why not take part in this foodie experiment?
Amorino, SW3
These Instagram-worthy rose-shaped gelati are created using a spatula in a way so unique you almost don’t want to eat it. Customers can choose from as many different flavours as petals on a flower, and if that wasn’t enough, add a mini macaron to the top of your creation.
La Gelateria, WC2N
Home to some of the city’s finest artisan gelato, this bar uses select seasonal ingredients to create unique and quirky flavoured gelato and sorbets. With the slow-food philosophy at the heart of all they create, their gelato is 100% natural and additive free.
