We take a tour of some of the best ice cream parlours and gelato producers in the North East
Ice Bar
Heading North from appetite HQ, a trip to the Ice Bar in Morpeth is highly recommended. The ice cream comes from specialist producers such as Archers (more of them later) and there is an ever-changing selection on offer. There are knickerbocker glory sundaes, banana splits and ice cream cones on the menu, as well as milkshakes, scones, pannins and hot drinks in case it’s a little too cold for ice cream – though we never have that problem!
Ice Bar, Newgate Street Morpeth, NE61 1BQ, tel 07549 650 376, www.facebook.com/pg/IceBarMorpeth
Doddington Dairy
The award-winning Doddington Dairy makes some of our favourite ice cream ever! Made with a simple list of ingredients, sourced locally where possible, you have to try the Homemade Fudge Chunk, which is made with Granny’s recipe for fudge. Pick up a tub at farm shops, foodie stops and more across the region – see the website for a map detailing all stockists.
www.doddingtondairy.co.uk
Giacopazzi’s
In the pretty harbour town of Eyemouth, Giacopazzi’s is a must-visit for ice cream after a walk on the beach. Established in 1900, you’ll find ice creams and sorbets made fresh each day with a mix of traditional and original flavours and plenty of different ways to enjoy them, from classic cones to sundaes. You can also get fantastic fish and chips here too.
Giacopazzi’s, Harbour Road, Eyemouth, Berwickshire TD14 5HU, tel 018907 50317, www.giacopazzis.co.uk
Cicarelli
Artisan gelateria Ciccarelli is an old favourite of the appetite team. Take a walk along Blyth beach and pop in for a sweet treat with plenty of flavours of gelato and sorbet made fresh every day. The family business is now run by Domenico, Gino, Franco, Antonio and Michele, having been set up by their father Donato in 1966. You can find their gelato across the North East, including at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle.
Ciccarelli’s Ice Cream, Links Road, Blyth NE24 3PL, tel 01670 797 428, www.ciccarelli.co.uk
Toney Minchella
You don’t go to South Shields without treating yourself to an award-winning Toney Minchella ice cream, made here since 1935. There are four outlets in prime positions with spectacular views over beaches, parks and harbours, while the flagship South Marine Park venue is a spacious café where you can sit down and enjoy speciality tea, coffee, and snacks. Visit the website for locations.
www.toneyminchella.co.uk
Spurreli
The multi-award-winning Spurelli on Coquet Street, Amble has long been a favourite of team appetite and we never miss an opportunity to get our hands on more of their fab frozen treats. The Sicilian Pistachio has won awards for years while an Alnwick Rum gelato comes highly recommended – and is delicious!
Spurelli, The Old Chandlery, Coquet Street, Amble, NE65 0DJ, tel 01665 710 890, www.spurreli.com
Di Meo’s
No matter what the weather is doing outside, Di Meo’s in Whitley Bay is a must for traditional Italian gelato. And if it’s a bit nippy for ice cream, this family-run retreat serves up good food and coffee too.
Di Meo’s, Marine Avenue Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 252 3814, www.facebook.com/DiMeosIceCream
Morwick Dairy Ice Cream
Made at the dairy farm just outside the pretty village of Warkworth in Northumberland, the traditional farmhouse-style ice cream from Morwick Dairy comes in an amazing variety of flavours including Rhubarb and Ginger, Apple Crumble, Oreo Cookie and more. The unique flavours are available daily in the parlour, which is part of the dairy farm which supplies the milk used in the ice cream.
Morwick Farm, Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9DG, tel 01665 711 210, www.royaldouble.com
Vallum Farm
With ice cream produced daily on-site by Vallum Little Dairy, the Ice Cream Parlour at Vallum Farm is an absolute treat. There’s also a Tea Room, outdoor play paddock, and farm walks to enjoy, making for an afternoon out for all the family.
Vallum Farm, Military Road, East Wallhouses, Newcastle NE18 0LL, tel 01434 672 360, www.vallumfarm.co.uk
Archers
On the outskirts of Darlington at New Moor Farm, Archers is known for its quaint ice cream parlour just 15ft froom the Jersey herd’s milking parlour. Using only the best ingredients to complement the luxurious Jersey cream, flavours including Lemon Cheesecake are available daily alongside the original Archers Simply Jersey Ice Cream. With cones, sundaes and desserts including waffles and crêpes there’s something for everyone. Archers is also in Richmond and Redcar.
Archers Jersey Ice Cream New Moor Farm, Walworth Road, Darlington, DL2 2UD, tel 01325 300 336, www.archersjerseyicecream.com
Lickety Split
Home to multiple award-winning ice cream made on the premises, the 1950s-inspired Lickety Split ice cream parlour is a great place to take a break and enjoy a sundae on a sunny summer afternoon. Winner of national ice cream prizes in 2016 and 2017, we love the fun atmosphere and the packed menu of ice creams and sorbets which are made with spring water sourced a mile from the parlour). There are also sundaes, milkshakes, smoothies, hot dogs and burgers.
Lickety Split, North Terrace Seaham, SR7 7EU, tel 0191 581 0719, www.lickety-split.co.uk
