Time for ice cream!

Jun 21

Padstow has many foodie offerings, but sometimes all that will satisfy when the hot weather arrives is ice cream! Indulgent, rich and cooling, there’s plenty of choice for those in search of this delicious treat in Padstow. Over the years, I’ve ‘selflessly’ sampled almost every sort of ice cream on offer in the town, in the name of ‘research’, of course.

So, whether your looking for a classic scoop or eager for a rocky road less travelled, this guide is here to help. Let’s dive right in and satisfy that holiday sweet tooth.

The Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot is a long-established ice cream spot that’s ideal for that well-earned break from checking out Padstow’s many charming boutiques. Serving up generous scoops of Kelly’s ice cream, a beloved Cornish classic made with the quintessential local delicacy clotted cream. This is the place for the ice cream purist, with classic flavours done well. My personal favourite is clotted cream & British raspberry ripple, but their cherry flavour is lovely too!

While your enjoying your ice cream, why not get a thoughtful gift for loved-ones back home, as The Lobster Pot has shelves stacked with boxes of fudge, emblazoned with classic Padstow views. A great two-in-one location, giving you the chance to indulge both your sweet-tooth but treat friends and family too!

Roskilly’s famous Cornish ice cream is another great place to sample a truly Cornish treat.

Roskilly’s Ice Cream

Just steps away from The Lobster Pot, Roskilly’s catches the eye with its striped pastel sign and enticing menu. This cosy ice cream parlour is a little gem, providing another taste of proper Cornish ice cream made on their organic farm down on the lower-most tip of Cornwall, the Lizard. The selection is filled with traditional favourites like; strawberry and chocolate. However, my pick is Malty Mystery, which for a fan of both Maltesers and Horlicks, like myself, is an absolute dream!

A Kelly Whip is a perfect addition to any day out in Padstow

Kelly Whip van

A trip to Padstow is simply incomplete until you’ve had a Kelly Whip by the harbour. You’ll find the finest of Kelly Whip vans parked opposite The Old Custom House (and just beside the tourist information kiosk). It’s a must stop, especially on a sunny day when you’ve just returned from the beach and on the look out for a tea-time treat. This soft-serve ice cream is smooth, custardy and has just the right level of sweetness to satisfy. Swirled on top of a waffle cone and topped with a flake, it really transports you back to childhood seaside holidays. Be careful though, as it’s so scruptious, the seagulls are fans of it too!

Harbour Ice

On the other side of the harbour front is Harbour Ice - a local gem that has people queuing up for thier wide range of interesting flavours. From rum and rasin, to thunder and lightning (clotted cream ice cream with honeycomb, named after the Cornish teatime treat) , or even Turkish delight, there’s something for everyone at this ice cream parlour. Those with dietary needs are also catered for here with gluten-free cones and sorbets as well. And let us not forget our four legged friends, as they have iced treats for your pup too! So set sail for Harbour Ice next time your in Padstow for a tasty flavour adventure.

Down By The Ferry

Heading to the beach or just heading back into town? Down By The Ferry might be the snack spot for you! Situated near the slipway up to the cliff plath, this café-meets-gift-shop is a great place to have an icecream and a coffee while you watch the world go by. It has a good selection of flavours and I’m particular fan of their mango sorbet, with their blackcurrant sorbet also being an excellent choice. Like our first entry it’s good for combining some retail therapy with your sweet treat! It has a wide selection of essentials and gifts that you’ll want to check out.

So, whether you’re a traditionalist or searching for a scoop of excitement, Padstow is definately the cool place to be! So, on your next visit try a few of these places (or challenge yourself to sample the full selection) and I’m sure you’ll discover your new favorite holiday sweet treat along the way.

Anthony Coote