Best Ice Cream Shops in Oban

The Pokey Hat is an ice cream shop deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, known for its use of the term "pokey hat," a local expression for an ice cream cone. Its history is intertwined with the phrase’s origins as a sales tactic – encouraging customers to ‘try a sample’ – dating back to the 1950s. The shop offers a nostalgic experience, leveraging this heritage and historical anecdotes like the prevalence of Cadbury’s cream eggs. Reviews highlight friendly service and generous portions, with flavors like Turkish Delight, pistachio, and Oreo being particularly praised. However, some reviews mention concerns about the business’s location and past associations with illicit activities. Despite these concerns, many customers appreciate the unique atmosphere and delicious ice cream.

Highland Fold Ice Cream is an artisan ice cream business located on Achinreir Farm, near Barcaldine in Argyll, Scotland. They specialize in creating small-batch, handcrafted ice cream using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, with a strong emphasis on showcasing the natural flavors of the region. The business is centered around milk from their own Highland cows, resulting in a distinctive "Highlander" gelato. It offers a diverse range of ice cream flavors, including Highlander Gelato, Natural Flavors, Dairy-Free Range, and Seasonal Flavors. In addition to ice cream, they provide homemade trimmings, baking, puddings, and drinks. The farm is accessible via a short walk through the farm, offering opportunities to spot Highland cows. They also offer guided walks and a small local creatives gallery. Overall, Highland Fold Ice Cream provides a unique farm-to-cone experience with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients, receiving positive reviews for its delicious ice cream and charming setting.