A Fresh Scoop: Our Ultimate Guide to Cornish Ice Cream

With the sun shining all across Cornwall, the family will want to sample the county’s famed ice cream as a means to cool down. Whether you’re enjoying your cottage getaways in St Ives, St Austell, or many other regions, there will be plenty of types of delicious ice cream to choose from. Here’s our guide to some of the biggest names in frozen desserts to look out for during your trip to the Duchy.

Pavillion Ice

While Pavilion Ice may have only been established in 2012, it has already developed a reputation as one of the finest ice cream producers in the region, and the expansive menu continues to draw people from all over the county. Based in Perranporth, their master craftsmen create more than 25 different flavours, including Oreo Cookie Dough, Caramel Crème Brulee and even Bubble Gum and Popping Candy.

One flavour that is sure to be a favourite with the kids is the speciality Frozen ice cream, which celebrates the film (pictured). They even offer a range of ice creams for dogs, with each and every one helping to raise money for the K9 Crusaders charity; it’s perfect if you’re looking to take your dog on your Duchy discovery this summer.

Kelly’s

Perhaps the best known of all Cornish Ice Creams, the story of Kelly’s ice cream dates back to the late 1890s when Joseph Staffieri moved to St Austell from Italy and began selling ice cream during the summer months. After rebranding his company to Kelly’s in the 1930s, vans began appearing across the region and the great taste spread right across the county. While their factory is now based in Bodmin, their ice creams can be found in hotspots all over Cornwall; among the ice cream flavours they offer include Eton Mess, Cookies and Cream and Cherry Pie and Custard.

Moomaid of Zenner

Found in the heart of St Ives, Moomaid of Zennor is a small business with big ideas when it comes to ice cream. Crafted at their purpose-built parlour at Tremmeda Farm, they produce more than 30 different flavours – all of which are crafted with only the finest ingredients. From the traditional vanilla and strawberry to the likes of almond & Amarena cherry and fig & mascarpone, there is something to please all palates. If you would like a flavour that isn’t on their menu, contact them with a flavour idea and they will do their very best to make it happen.

Callestick Farm

With the Parker family having produced award-winning ice cream at Callestick Farm for two decades, it’s no wonder this farm on Cornwall’s north coast is held in such high regard. Using the milk produced from the resident Friesian cows on the farm, the ice cream produced here is completely natural, which is why it is held in such high regard. The range of flavours on offer from Callestick Farm is expansive, and include traditional clotted cream vanilla, mint choc chip, to apple pie and chocolate fudge – meaning there’s something for all the family to enjoy.

We asked Callestick Farm what makes their visitor experience so special, and they said:

“Here at Callestick Farm we take fresh milk from our own herd of cows, the finest fruits & confectionery and lashings of Cornish cream to create flavour upon flavour of award-winning beautiful ice creams. We also offer an excellent range of sorbets made with our own spring water. You can also visit our friendly farm animals in the car park including pigs and piglets, calves and chickens, then take a stroll over to the beautiful courtyard where the little ones can milk Millie our new and very patient Friesian cow - she’s quite safe she’s made of fibreglass! There is always something going on and generally ice cream making to watch from the viewing gallery - the only problem might be to drag the children away at the end of the day!”

Mr B’s

A famous name in Hayle, Mr B’s serves up almost every ice cream flavour you can think of; from peanut butter cups and New York cheesecake, to mint Aero and syrup sponge pudding, the only problem you may have is choosing which flavour you wish to sample first. It’s not just ice cream they offer either, with fresh fruit sorbets, homemade fudge and milkshakes proving equally popular.

Rodda’s Clotted Cream for the perfect complement

Because you will want to make your Cornish ice cream experience as tasty as possible, why not try a small scoop of clotted cream on your cone, or into your bowl if you are sampling it in your family holiday cottage? Undoubtedly the biggest name in clotted cream is Rodda’s, a company that has been producing this unique type of cream since 1890.

Image Credit: Pavilionice, Callestick Farm, MaraZe, Gtranquility (Shutterstock.com), Sarah (Flickr.com)

This content was written by Ben Edwards. Please feel free to visit my Google+ Profile to read more stories.