Discover The Best Ice Creams In London

When the sun shines in London—or even when it doesn’t—there’s nothing quite as satisfying as indulging in a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream. From artisan gelaterias tucked away in charming alleyways to global sensations drawing queues down the block, the capital is home to a wide variety of icy delights.

Whether you’re a purist after traditional vanilla or an adventurer seeking blue cheese or charcoal flavours, London has it all. In this guide, we explore the best ice creams in London, covering flavours, experiences, price points, and top spots by neighbourhood.

Why London is a Paradise for Ice Cream Lovers

London’s diverse culinary scene extends to frozen treats, boasting everything from Italian-style gelato and American-style sundaes to dairy-free and vegan innovations. With a fusion of tradition and creativity, the city offers options to suit every palate and dietary requirement.

Best Ice Creams in London image — source: https://www.mybigfathalalblog.com/

Key Trends in London’s Ice Cream Scene:

Vegan and dairy-free options
Instagram-worthy creations
Locally sourced ingredients
Fusion flavours (e.g., matcha, tahini, saffron)
Seasonal pop-ups and mobile vans

Top 10 Places for the Best Ice Creams in London

1. Gelupo – Soho

Tucked behind Shaftesbury Avenue, Gelupo brings authentic Italian gelato to central London. With rich textures and inventive flavours like ricotta & sour cherry and burnt caramel, Gelupo is a must-visit for gelato lovers.

Highlight Flavour: Blood Orange Sorbet
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £4.50 per scoop
Address: 7 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7AU

2. Chin Chin Labs – Camden & Soho

Famous for their liquid nitrogen ice cream, Chin Chin Labs serves theatrical desserts with a twist. The texture is ultra-smooth, and toppings like hot chocolate fudge or grilled white chocolate make it an experience.

Highlight Flavour: Valrhona Chocolate with Brownie Crumbs
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £6–£8
Address: 49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF

3. Udderlicious – Islington & Covent Garden

Known for its quirky decor and unique flavour names, Udderlicious offers a community-driven experience by letting customers vote for the next month’s flavours.

Highlight Flavour: Honeycomb with Salted Caramel
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £3.80+
Address: 187 Upper Street, N1 1RQ

bubble — source: https://morethanlondon.wordpress.com/

4. Ruby Violet – King’s Cross & Tufnell Park

Ruby Violet serves handmade ice cream crafted in small batches. Their ice cream parlour offers a nostalgic yet elegant vibe with a menu that includes seasonal British fruits and exotic ingredients.

Highlight Flavour: Raspberry Ripple or Tonka Bean
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £3.50–£6
Address: 3 Wharf Rd, King’s Cross, N1C 4BZ

5. Milk Train – Covent Garden

Perfect for your Instagram feed, Milk Train’s candyfloss-wrapped ice creams and creative cones are fun and indulgent. It’s as much about the visual delight as the taste.

Highlight Flavour: Matcha Soft Serve with Cotton Candy
Vegan Options: Limited
Price: £5–£7
Address: 44 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HA

6. Gelateria 3Bis – Borough Market

Located right next to London’s most famous food market, 3Bis brings Italian excellence to London with creamy gelato and warm, filled cones.

Highlight Flavour: Pistachio or Hazelnut
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £4.50–£6
Address: 4 Park St, London SE1 9AB

7. La Gelatiera – Covent Garden & East Village

This award-winning gelateria is known for experimental yet balanced flavours using all-natural ingredients. A go-to for those who seek depth and innovation.

Highlight Flavour: Basil & Chilli Chocolate
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £3.80–£6
Address: 27 New Row, WC2N 4LA

8. Soft Serve Society – Boxpark Shoreditch

A trendy spot known for elaborate soft serve creations in charcoal cones and crazy toppings. Their freakshakes and bubble waffles are also popular.

Highlight Flavour: Charcoal Vanilla or Taro
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £4–£8
Address: Boxpark, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6GY

9. Greedy Goat – Borough Market

If you love goat’s milk products, Greedy Goat offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream. It’s lower in lactose and surprisingly smooth.

Highlight Flavour: Lemon Curd or Apple Crumble
Vegan Options: Few
Price: £3.50–£5
Address: Borough Market, SE1 1TL

10. Oddono’s Gelati – Multiple Locations

A true Italian classic, Oddono’s has served authentic gelato in London since 2004. It’s a favourite for those craving no-nonsense, flavour-packed ice cream.

Highlight Flavour: Bacio (chocolate and hazelnut)
Vegan Options: Yes
Price: £3.50–£6
Address: South Kensington, Hampstead, and more

Best Vegan and Dairy-Free Ice Creams in London

London is ahead of the curve when it comes to plant-based offerings. Top choices include:

DÁPPA – High-protein, nut-based soft serve
Yorica! – Allergy-friendly and entirely free-from
Hackney Gelato Vegan Range – Available in stores like Waitrose

Seasonal and Local Favourites

Summer Specials:

Ice cream sandwiches at Blu Top Ice Cream
Sorbets made with seasonal fruits at Ruby Violet

Winter Delights:

Warm brownie & ice cream combos at Chin Chin Labs
Gingerbread and spiced flavours from La Gelatiera

Tips for Finding the Best Ice Cream in London

Check for reviews: Google Maps and TripAdvisor offer helpful insights.
Look for queues: A long line usually means great ice cream.
Explore local markets: Many artisanal sellers show up only on weekends or during festivals.
Follow on Instagram: Most trendy shops post their latest flavours and deals online.

Best Ice Cream and Dessert Bars for Fun London Corporate Events — src: https://pearllemoncatering.com/

Conclusion

Whether you’re hunting down a nostalgic cone, a luxurious gelato, or a plant-based delight, London has an endless variety of ice creams waiting to be explored. Each shop offers something unique—be it theatrical presentation, rare ingredients, or authentic heritage techniques. So, grab a spoon (or a waffle cone), and treat yourself to the best ice creams in London—one scoop at a time.