The Welsh scoop: 10 'cool' Welsh ice cream makers

With it being Welsh summertime, and Ice Cream Month, we wanted to celebrate some of Wales’ ‘coolest’ ice cream creators. From classic vanilla to award-winning elderflower, from cow’s to sheep’s milk, Wales has something for all ice cream lovers.

Let us introduce you to 10 of our favourite dairy delights as we explore the passion behind the scoops from the founders who put love and dedication into every batch of this globally-loved indulgence…

Who are your favourites?

Brooke's Dairy

Brooke’s Dairy, a family business located near Chepstow, has been making artisan ice cream and sorbets on their farm for over two generations. The family started dairy farming in the 1970s and shifted to artisan ice cream production in 1990, under the guidance of Robert and Irene Brooke. Due to the close proximity of the milking parlour, the milk can go from cow to ice cream within 24 hours. 

Recognising the quality of their milk, they also began producing award-winning soft cheeses in 2017.

Check out Brooke’s, the dairy with a real family feel >>

Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour

Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour, located in the town of Beaumaris, is a haven for ice cream lovers. Owned by Tony and Lyn, this parlour specialises in Italian gelato, reflecting their deep passion for high-quality ice cream. 

Red Boat offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream with a variety of local flavours that celebrate Welsh heritage. You can indulge in creations like ‘Halen Môn’ Anglesey Sea-salted Caramel and the traditional Welsh treat ‘Bara Brith’. With over 300 recipes, the parlour promises an extensive and ever-evolving menu to cater to every palate.

Beyond Beaumaris, you can also find Red Boat parlours in Prestatyn, Menai Bridge, and Llangefni, each offering the same exceptional quality and flavour.

Check out Red Boat’s delightful gelato creations >>

Cadwaladers Ice Cream 

Cadwaladers Ice Cream traces its roots back to 1927 when the Cadwalader family began selling their secret vanilla ice cream recipe from their general store in Criccieth, Gwynedd, which quickly gained popularity, drawing customers from miles around.

Today, Cadwalader’s has expanded beyond its original Criccieth location, with parlours in Porthcawl, Porthmadog, Betws-Y-Coed in Conwy, Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, and Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire.

With a rich history and a focus on community and excellence, Cadwalader’s continues to be a go-to destination for both locals and visitors, offering a taste of tradition.

Experience the tradition of Cadwaladers >>

Joe’s Ice Cream 

Joe’s Ice Cream boasts a rich heritage of ice cream making that spans over a century, starting in 1922 when Joe crafted his unique vanilla ice cream recipe. 

What sets Joe’s Ice Cream apart is their Signature Vanilla, freshly churned every day at each parlour. This dedication to freshness ensures a consistently exceptional product that has become a beloved staple in Swansea and its surrounding areas. 

Joe’s Ice Cream parlours can be found in several locations, including St Helens, Mumbles, and Llansamlet in Swansea, as well as in Llanelli and Cardiff. 

Discover Joe’s timeless ice cream >> 

Conti’s 

Conti’s Ice Cream Started when the Conti family moved to Wales from Northern Italy in the 1930s. They settled in Wales and established 17 cafés across South and West Wales, becoming local favourites known for their warm atmosphere and delicious offerings.

Today, the last Conti’s café in Lampeter, Ceredigion, continues their legacy, alongside parlours in Lampeter and Aberaeron, Ceredigion. Conti’s Ice Cream remains a cherished part of Welsh heritage, offering a taste of history and a commitment to quality that began over 90 years ago. 

Experience Conti’s legacy >> 

Hufenfa’r Castell

Hufenfa’r Castell, nestled in the town of Harlech, is renowned for its handcrafted, award-winning ice cream. Open from March to the end of October, this charming parlour is committed to creating the finest ice cream using only the best Welsh ingredients. 

Hufenfa’r Castell’s ice cream is freshly made each day. This dedication to freshness and quality has earned them several awards. Their Elderflower Ice Cream won a Silver True Taste Wales Award in their first competition, followed by a Silver Award for their Rhubarb Ice Cream the next year, and a Bronze Award for their Fudge Sauce in the final year of the True Taste Wales competition.

Discover Hufenfa’r Castell’s award-winning flavours >> 

Mario's 

Inspired by Italy and crafted in Wales, Mario's Ice Cream,based in Llanelli, brings a unique blend of Italian heritage and Welsh quality to every scoop. 

Mario’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his careful selection of milk and double cream, sourced from the pastures of Welsh family farms. This dedication to quality ingredients is one of the secrets behind Mario's multi-award-winning luxury ice cream. 

Mario's Ice Cream has become a staple for vendors across Wales and the UK. With a perfect fusion of Italian tradition and Welsh ingredients, Mario’s continues to set the standard for luxury ice cream, a favourite of  Welsh ice cream lovers.

Experience the luxury of Mario’s Ice Cream >> 

Llanfaes Dairy

Llanfaes Dairy, situated in Brecon, is dedicated to crafting ice cream the right way. At their Brecon parlour, they hand mix the finest ingredients to produce the best tasting ice cream possible. 

Llanfaes make their ice cream in small quantities with a focus on traditional methods and premium ingredients. Visitors can enjoy Llanfaes Dairy at their parlours located in the stunning Brecon Beacons and Cardiff Bay. 

Treat yourself to Llanfaes Dairy’s handcrafted delights >> 

Fablas 

Fablas Ice Cream, an award-winning Welsh ice cream brand, is the creation of dynamic mother-daughter duo Michelle and Lauren. Founded in October 2016, Fablas has quickly become renowned for its handcrafted, real dairy ice cream made from whole milk and double cream. 

After a year of perfecting their cherished secret recipes, Fablas opened its first parlour in Cowbridge in May 2017. The business has since flourished, expanding to three more locations: the scenic Porthcawl seafront, the iconic Penarth Pier, and the historic Caerphilly Castle. 

The parlours also feature fresh cakes baked weekly by two in-house bakers. Additionally, customers can enjoy a variety of treats including waffles, pancakes, desserts, sundaes, and artisan coffee. 

Experience the delights of Fablas Ice Cream >> 

Shepherds Ice Cream 

At Shepherds Ice Cream, located in Abergavenny, the key ingredient to their exceptional dairy delights is fresh, whole sheep’s milk—a tradition they've upheld for over 30 years. The full-fat milk creates a smooth and creamy texture with half the fat content of traditional ice cream.

Shepherds source local and seasonal ingredients for their recipes. They also experiment with fresh spices and herbs to create intriguing flavours like Lebanese Coffee, Cinnamon Chai, and Lime and Mint sorbet. 

Discover the richness of Shepherds Ice Cream >>