Summer is here and the days are brighter and hotter. So what better way to keep cool than partaking in one of our greatest seaside pastimes… devouring an ice cream! Here’s the scoop on where to tantalise those gelato taste buds across the Isle of Thanet.
Whether it’s a good old fashioned ‘99 or something more artisan, there are plenty of ice cream places from traditional 1950s Italian parlours to contemporary seafront businesses that will add a sprinkle of delight to your trip to the seaside.
Broadstairs
Morelli's
Founded in 1907 with Morellis Cappuccino Bars opening in Broadstairs in 1932, today it is still a family run business. This seafront parlour has been delighting visitors to the Isle with their traditional 1950s Italian gelato for decades and has become a destination in its own right.
Experience that magical feel of stepping back in time with Morelli’s soda fountain, juke box, formica tops and pink leatherette booths…overwhelmingly nostalgic, it makes for a wonderful walk down memory lane and overlooks the beautiful Viking Bay in Broadstairs.
Chiappini's
Along the front in Broadstairs is Chiappini's, with a selection of traditional ice creams, as well as great coffee, all overlooking the magnificent beach.
York Gate Ice Cream
Family run ice cream parlour just minutes from Broadstairs Viking Bay. Dog Ice Cream available.
Ramsgate
Sorbetto
This Ramsgate ice cream parlour delights in the great tradition of freshly made ice cream at the seaside.
Birchington
The Parlour
In Birchington, The Parlour specialises in traditional ice cream and makes it easy for ice cream to be your starter, main or pudding as they offer breakfast and lunch to enjoy alongside your ice cream of choice.
Margate
Follow the Swirl
This bright pink venue produces real fruit ice cream and sundaes.
If you fancy a little trip down ice cream memory lane in Margate, the treasure trove that is RG Scotts Furniture Mart in Bath Place, Cliftonville used to be The Kent Pure Ice and Kent Coast Ice Cream Co’s Ltd in the 1930s and is listed as Ice Cream manufacturers, ice merchants & cold storage in 1957. You can still see the ‘Ice Factory and Cold Store’ sign on the front of this antique hunters’ haven when you visit today.
(RG Scotts Furniture Mart. Photo RG Scotts)
Ice cream facts
- Vanilla is the most popular flavour of ice cream
- It takes roughly 50 licks to finish an ice cream cone
- The most profitable day for ice cream sellers is almost always Sunday, or should that be sundae…
What’s your favourite flavour?
Morelli's in Broadstairs tell us their most popular flavours are Mint Choc Chip and Pistachio
Share your Isle scream moments at #VisitThanet
