Best Ice Cream Shops in Manchester

IceStone Gelato is a popular dessert shop known for its handcrafted gelato, waffles, and other sweet treats. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the ice cream and desserts, with many highlighting the rich flavors and generous portions. However, some customers have reported issues with service, particularly regarding slow delivery times and cold desserts. The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant and welcoming. The business has a strong focus on customer experience, offering both in-store and online ordering with a butler service for special occasions. The recent website launch aims to improve the online experience and provide more information to customers. Despite some service concerns, IceStone Gelato remains a well-regarded dessert destination.

Ben & Jerry’s is a pioneering super-premium ice cream maker founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. The company’s core mission is to create delicious ice cream while simultaneously promoting social justice and environmental responsibility. They offer a wide range of ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt, and sorbet, known for their unique combinations of ingredients and often, socially conscious themes. The company’s three-part mission focuses on social, product, and economic values, aiming to create a positive impact on the world. Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of advocating for social and environmental causes, including Fairtrade sourcing and socially conscious flavors. They were the first ice cream company to commit to the Tony’s Open Chain, a program that provides full traceability of cocoa beans to their source. Despite being acquired by Unilever in 2000, the company continues to uphold its values and innovate with unique flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Phish Food. Recent reviews highlight both positive experiences with delicious ice cream and negative experiences with slow service and issues with milk supply during milkshake preparation. The company offers a diverse range of flavors, including non-dairy options, and actively engages with customers through social media.

Big Licks is a dessert establishment specializing in super premium ice cream, alongside burgers, shakes, and desserts. Established in 2008, the company has expanded to include three restaurants across the UK, with a newly opened flagship store in Deansgate and two vibrant locations in Glasgow. They pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and crafting delicious, memorable experiences for their customers. While many reviews praise the quality of the ice cream, burgers, and overall atmosphere, some customers have reported issues with service speed, inaccurate orders, and high prices. Despite these occasional challenges, Big Licks remains a popular destination for dessert lovers and burger enthusiasts alike. The company takes pride in supporting ‘the American Dream’ by allowing individuals to own their own business. The Glasgow restaurants are described as ‘vibrant’ and the flagship store in Deansgate is a popular spot. They use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize the user experience.

Marhaba Ice-Cream Bar is a popular milkshake takeaway business in Blackburn, Lancashire. Reviews consistently highlight the deliciousness of their milkshakes and the convenience of their online ordering and delivery service. Customers appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the products. While some reviews mention occasional issues with order accuracy, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a ‘go-to’ spot for authentic milkshakes. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is known for its friendly staff. Some customers have noted that while they offer a wide range of milkshake flavors, they don't currently offer healthy options.

Krum Gelato Chester is a rapidly growing artisan gelateria located in Chester’s historic city centre, established in 2023. The business has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to authentic Italian flavours and high-quality ingredients. It’s known for its exceptional pistachio gelato, awarded three stars in the Great Taste Awards, and operates alongside Augusto Pizzeria. The owners, Fabrizio Gobbato and Valentina Aviotti, bring extensive culinary experience to the venture, prioritizing local dairy and Bronte pistachios from Sicily. They are actively pursuing wholesale opportunities and expansion plans, maintaining a focus on artisan craftsmanship and a unique texture and flavor profile.

Snowflake Gelato - Trafford Centre, Manchester, is an award-winning Italian gelato and sorbetto shop known for its high-quality, artisan creations. Reviews highlight a mixed experience, with some praising the delicious flavors and friendly staff, particularly mentioning a young woman named Adrianna. However, several reviews express concerns about high prices, particularly for single scoops, and a perceived lack of value for money. Some customers have reported issues with service, including rudeness from staff and slow service. A recurring theme is the inconsistency in the quality of the ice cream, with some describing it as "raw" or lacking freshness. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers still enjoyed the gelato and appreciated the variety of flavors and the shop's atmosphere. The website details a wholesale offering, emphasizing artisan craftsmanship and the use of local ingredients. Overall, Snowflake Gelato offers a pleasant experience, but pricing and service consistency could be improved.

Glida is a company dedicated to facilitating electric vehicle (EV) ownership and providing a seamless charging experience. They operate through a network of charging stations and a mobile application, the GLIDA App, designed for easy EV charging. The company’s mission centers on contributing to a cleaner, greener future by supporting the transition to electric mobility. Glida’s offerings include charging infrastructure, a user-friendly mobile app, and a strategically expanding network of charging stations in diverse locations like restaurants, shopping centers, and highways. The GLIDA App provides real-time station data and navigation, while Glida offers various payment methods like UPI, credit cards, and a prepaid card. Customer support is available 24/7, and security measures include data privacy, a secure payment gateway, and real-time monitoring. Glida also offers franchise opportunities and supports a wide range of EV models with different connector types.

Moonlight is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama film that explores the life of Chiron, a young Black man grappling with his identity as a gay man in Miami. The film is celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of masculinity, sexuality, and family relationships. It’s visually stunning, featuring evocative cinematography and a powerful soundtrack. Reviews consistently praise the film’s performances, particularly Trevante Rhodes and Ashton Sanders, and its exploration of complex themes such as Black masculinity, LGBTQ+ identity, and the impact of trauma. However, some reviews note a slow pace and a lack of clear resolution. The film’s open-source client allows for streaming on various devices, offering a free and ad-free viewing experience. Despite positive reception, some customers have reported issues with the streaming quality and occasional buffering.

The Ice Cream Shop at Lodge is a popular takeaway and sandwich shop nestled in the historic Lodge Mill in Middleton. Reviews consistently praise its friendly staff, charming atmosphere, and delicious ice cream, highlighting the use of locally sourced ingredients. Many customers rave about the wide selection of flavors, including unique options like Jaffa cake, Bakewell tart, and blackcurrant. Several reviewers specifically mention the shop's beautiful garden setting and riverside location, creating a relaxing experience. Some feedback notes occasional slow service during peak times, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The shop has expanded its offerings to include vegan ice cream options, catering to a wider range of dietary needs. It's a well-loved local spot with a strong community feel, and is a great place to enjoy a treat with family and friends.

Gingers Comfort Emporium is a unique ice cream shop located in the heart of Manchester’s Affleck’s Palace. Known for its adventurous and often surprising flavor combinations, it offers both traditional and vegan options. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the ice cream, highlighting the creamy texture and intense flavors, with many noting the unusual but successful pairings like chocolate ginger and rosemary. While some customers have experienced slow service or issues with orders, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a "must-try" destination. The shop’s cozy atmosphere and dedication to high-quality ingredients contribute to a memorable experience. The business also caters to events and corporate clients, offering bespoke ice cream services. The website emphasizes the shop’s commitment to unique flavors and its regular presence at markets and festivals. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable treat.

Baskin-Robbins is a global chain of ice cream and cake specialty shops, renowned for its expansive flavor selection. It offers a diverse range of ice cream scoops, cakes, shakes, and other frozen treats, with the ‘31 flavors’ concept representing a new flavor to enjoy each day of the month. The shop emphasizes convenience through mobile ordering and rewards programs. Reviews indicate a mix of positive experiences regarding flavor variety and convenience, alongside some issues with app functionality. While some customers praise the selection and customization options, others have reported problems with the mobile ordering system and reward redemption. There have been reports of closed shops and issues with staff availability, as well as concerns about the quality of milk used in shakes.

Cheshire Farm Ice Cream is a family-run business producing and selling ice cream, sorbets, and vegan options at Cheshire Farms Creamery. Reviews highlight both positive experiences – praising the quality of the ice cream, especially the lemon curd and bespoke flavors – and some frustrations like overcrowding and high prices. The business emphasizes its farm-based production, community engagement through social media, and a commitment to sustainability. They offer a diverse range of flavors, including classic favorites like Mint Choc Chip and Unicorn, alongside bespoke creations and vegan options. The company also provides ice cream to trade scoopers and has a history of seasonal promotions and events, such as Thanksgiving breaks and Easter orders. The Moo Crew, the team behind the business, is known for their dedication and customer service.

Luca’s Gelato is a popular gelateria in Chester, known for its authentic Italian gelato and friendly atmosphere. Reviews consistently praise the delicious flavors, high-quality ingredients, and welcoming service. While some customers highlight the friendly staff and the overall experience, a few have mentioned occasional long queues. The shop offers a rotating selection of classic and seasonal gelato flavors, including vegan options. Luca’s Gelato is a family-run business that actively engages with its customers on social media, showcasing the gelato-making process and sharing updates. The shop is located in a central area of Chester, making it easily accessible. Despite some minor criticisms, Luca’s Gelato is widely regarded as a must-visit destination for gelato lovers in the area.

Pan-n-Ice Manchester Trafford is a unique ice cream shop located within the Selfridges Foodhall at the Trafford Centre. They specialize in handcrafted ice cream rolls, offering a theatrical customer experience where the ice cream is made in front of you. Reviews highlight both positive aspects like the friendly staff, the fun of watching the ice cream being made, and the delicious taste, as well as some concerns about long queues and inconsistent service. Some customers have noted that the staff can be busy and may not always be readily available. While many praise the experience and the quality of the ice cream, a few reviews mention issues with wait times and staff engagement. The shop offers a vegan range and caters to events, demonstrating a commitment to providing a diverse and engaging service. Overall, Pan-n-Ice Manchester Trafford is a popular destination for a unique and tasty treat, but potential customers should be prepared for possible queues.

Lazy Sundae in Manchester Arndale offers a unique ice cream experience with a focus on indulgent sundaes and a variety of other desserts and drinks. Customer reviews consistently praise the deliciousness of the sundaes, particularly the exclusive Manchester Arndale flavors like Mango Sticky Rice and Avocado Coco. While the store is often busy, staff are described as friendly and helpful. The shop boasts six unique ice cream sundae flavors that are not available at other Lazy Sundae locations. The shop is located in Halle Place within the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. The shop offers a range of ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, milk, fruit, and iced teas. The shop has a small seating area.

Cheshire Farm - British Ice Cream is a producer and supplier of premium ice cream, focusing on quality and sharing a love for delicious treats. They offer a range of both retail tubs and ice cream for trade scoopers, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. The brand emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Reviews highlight the high quality, similar to Italian ice cream, and the friendly service. Some customers have experienced issues with nut allergies and staff refusal to serve chocolate ice cream due to policy. Despite some negative experiences, many appreciate the gluten-free cone option and the overall enjoyable experience, particularly when enjoyed by the river. The business is known for a diverse range of flavors, including unique options like Unicorn and Jelly Bear.

Baskin-Robbins is a global chain of ice cream and cake specialty shops, renowned for its diverse flavor selection. The company’s core offering revolves around providing a wide variety of ice cream flavors, cakes, shakes, and other frozen treats. A key element of their brand is the “31 flavors” concept, historically representing the ability to enjoy a different ice cream flavor every day of the month. Currently, they offer a range of products including individual scoops, sundaes, cakes (including custom-designed birthday cakes), and frozen beverages. The brand emphasizes both classic flavors and innovative combinations. Founded in 1945 by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, Baskin-Robbins has a long and rich history, evolving from a small local operation to a worldwide brand. Throughout its history, Baskin-Robbins has introduced over 1,400 flavors and has expanded internationally, establishing a significant presence in numerous countries. The brand emphasizes a fun and engaging customer experience, offering the opportunity to create personalized flavor combinations and celebrate special occasions with custom cakes. The Baskin-Robbins Rewards® program aims to foster customer loyalty and provide ongoing value. While some reviews mention occasional service issues and a desire for app improvements, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the delicious ice cream and friendly staff. We have, so far, not been able to confirm healthy ice cream options in this particular ice cream shop.

Oasis Ice Cream is a business specializing in the Island Oasis ice cream frozen beverage mix, a natural, gluten-free, and Kosher certified vanilla ice cream mix designed for creating shakes, smoothies, and cocktails. The website also offers a range of merchandise featuring the Island Oasis brand, including tote bags, hoodies, and t-shirts with designs evoking a Mexican and tropical aesthetic. Reviews indicate a mixed experience with the ice cream itself, with some praising the taste and variety while others find it overpriced and lacking in quality. Several reviewers mention the staff being friendly, but some have expressed concerns about cleanliness and the quality of the ice cream. A few reviews highlight the extensive flavor options and the convenience of the mix, while others criticize the high prices and the lack of authentic Mexican flavors. The website emphasizes the all-natural and convenient aspects of the product, while reviews suggest that the taste and value may not always align with expectations. The business has a strong brand identity centered around the Island Oasis concept, with merchandise reinforcing this image.

Candy Retreat offers a unique Jamaican experience blending dancehall culture, adventure, and relaxation. Reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, vibrant dancehall classes, and delicious food, particularly the milkshakes and hotdogs. Some reviewers mention occasional issues with milkshake consistency or the need for custard with certain items, but overall, the experience is considered highly positive. The emphasis on cultural immersion – including visits to the Blue Hole, Luminous Lagoon, and Bob Marley Museum – is a major draw. Several reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the organizers’ dedication to providing a memorable trip. The boutique villa accommodations and private chef add to the luxury aspect, while the 24/7 support ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey. The Half ReTREAT option provides a more accessible way to experience a portion of the adventure.

Fresto Stick is an artisanal gelato business with a rich history dating back to the 1950s in Italy, where it pioneered the concept of "walking ice cream." Today, it offers creamy artisan gelato and refreshing fruit sorbets, with a key differentiator being the ability for customers to customize their gelato sticks with a wide selection of chocolates and toppings. Reviews consistently praise the authentic kulfi, highlighting its rich and creamy texture, and the overall experience of enjoying handcrafted gelato. Some reviews mention concerns about pricing and practices, such as extra charges for small toppings. Despite these occasional criticisms, the shop is overwhelmingly viewed as a delightful and innovative destination for ice cream lovers, offering a unique and joyful experience. The business emphasizes its commitment to quality ingredients and continuous freezing to ensure freshness and exceptional taste.

E Sivori & Co Ltd is a family-run ice cream business with a rich history dating back to 1910, continuing a legacy established by Emmanuel Sivori. Located in Levenshulme, Manchester, the company specializes in traditional ice cream production and distribution, maintaining a strong connection to the local community. They are known for their revived ice cream round serving Gorton, Burnage, and Levenshulme. Recent changes include the appointment of Paul Sertori as a director and the continuation of the business by Stephen Sivori, preserving a century-old tradition. While the business has faced some financial challenges, as indicated by its balance sheet, it remains a beloved local institution. Reviews consistently highlight the quality of the ice cream and the friendly, generous service provided by the staff, particularly in difficult circumstances.