Ice cream is one of life’s simplest and most universal pleasures. In Westminster, it is enjoyed by tourists strolling through Covent Garden, families visiting St James’s Park and workers seeking a treat after a long day. The area offers everything from authentic Italian gelato made fresh each morning to premium British brands available in local shops.
This guide highlights ten of the best ice cream brands to enjoy in Westminster, covering artisan parlours and widely available favourites. We also share tips for choosing quality ice cream and spotting the latest flavour trends.
Westminster’s Ice Cream Scene
Soho and Covent Garden have become hotspots for gelato, with Italian-trained makers using fresh milk, seasonal fruit and premium nuts. Queues on summer evenings are a familiar sight, as visitors sample inventive flavours alongside timeless classics such as pistachio and stracciatella.
Meanwhile, supermarkets and convenience stores across the borough stock premium tubs from British and international brands. The demand for natural ingredients, plant-based alternatives and lower-sugar options has encouraged brands to innovate while preserving the indulgence that makes ice cream special.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Westminster
1. Gelupo
Gelupo in Soho is widely regarded as one of London’s finest gelaterias. It produces gelato and granita daily using seasonal ingredients, with flavours that change regularly. Its intense, authentic Italian flavours, such as bitter chocolate and ricotta with sour cherry, draw devoted fans from across the city.
2. Amorino
Amorino is an Italian gelato brand famous for serving scoops shaped into beautiful flower petals. It uses natural ingredients and offers many flavours, including vegan sorbets. Its central London shops are popular with visitors looking for a picturesque and delicious treat.
3. Badiani
Badiani is a historic Florentine gelateria known for its signature Buontalenti flavour, a rich custard-based cream. Its London presence brings authentic Tuscan gelato traditions to the city. Fans appreciate its smooth texture and focus on classic recipes perfected over generations.
4. Venchi
Venchi is an Italian chocolatier and gelato maker whose shops tempt passers-by with flowing chocolate walls. Its gelato includes many rich chocolate flavours alongside fruity and nutty options. Gluten-free cones and premium ingredients make it a luxurious choice for chocolate lovers.
5. Snowflake Gelato
Snowflake Gelato is a London gelato brand that makes its products fresh on site with natural ingredients. Its colourful displays feature creative flavours alongside cakes and crêpes. It has become a popular evening destination for friends and families seeking a sweet treat.
6. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is one of the world’s most recognised premium ice cream brands, known for rich, dense textures and indulgent flavours. Its tubs are widely available across Westminster shops. Classic flavours such as vanilla and salted caramel remain enduring favourites.
7. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is famous for chunky, playful flavours packed with cookies, brownies and swirls. The brand is also known for its social activism. Its tubs and non-dairy ranges are widely stocked across central London, making it an easy choice for an evening treat at home.
8. Jude’s
Jude’s is a British ice cream brand from Hampshire that has earned recognition for quality flavours and strong sustainability commitments. Its range includes dairy, vegan and lower-sugar options. Many Westminster shoppers choose it for its natural ingredients and environmental responsibility.
9. Northern Bloc
Northern Bloc is a British brand making ice cream and plant-based alternatives with natural ingredients and innovative flavours. It focuses on reducing environmental impact and sourcing responsibly. Its distinctive, grown-up flavours appeal to food lovers seeking something different.
10. Swoon Gelato
Swoon Gelato produces Italian-style gelato in Britain using traditional methods and quality ingredients. Its gelato is served in cafés, restaurants and retailers, offering an authentic taste of Italy. Its smooth texture and classic flavours make it a reliable option for gelato enthusiasts.
Gelato Versus Ice Cream
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, gelato and ice cream differ. Gelato typically contains more milk and less cream, is churned more slowly to incorporate less air and is served slightly warmer. The result is a denser, silkier texture with more intense flavour, while traditional ice cream tends to be richer and lighter in body.
How to Spot Great Ice Cream
Look for natural colours, as overly bright shades can indicate artificial additives. Quality gelato is often stored in covered metal tins and has a smooth, dense texture rather than towering fluffy mounds. Asking about ingredients and production methods can reveal a lot about quality.
For home tubs, check ingredient lists and choose brands that use real fruit, nuts and dairy, or high-quality plant-based alternatives. Seasonal flavours are often a sign of a maker who cares about freshness.
Ice Cream Trends
Plant-based ice cream continues to grow, with oat, coconut and nut-based options becoming richer and creamier. Savoury and botanical flavours, such as olive oil, miso and rose, are appearing in artisan parlours.
Sustainability is also influencing packaging and sourcing, while lower-sugar and high-protein options appeal to health-conscious customers. Collaborations between gelato makers and restaurants are bringing creative desserts to Westminster’s dining scene.
Final Thoughts
From the gelaterias of Soho to well-loved supermarket brands, Westminster offers ice cream for every taste. The brands above represent the best of the area’s frozen treats, perfect for summer strolls or cosy evenings at home.