Five of the best places to grab an ice cream in Manchester

It’s a sunny day in Manchester. Strange but true. The perfect excuse to tuck into our favourite summer treat, as if any excuse was needed.

So if you’re looking for an ice cream and a Magnum just won’t do…

The good news is, Manchester’s no longer an ice cream desert. Perfect for an ice cream dessert.

Its ice cream parlours and restaurants have something to offer for everyone on any budget. From bright and colourful sundaes topped with rainbow sprinkles to traditional Italian desserts that are a treat to the eyes and the tongue.

When it comes to ice cream, Manchester has a rich history. In the 19^th century, many Italian families settled in Ancoats and started businesses making ice cream, selling it from carts and, later, vans. Some are still around today like Vincent’s, Marco Rea’s, and Gerard’s. The ice cream cone was invented in Manchester, and Antonelli’s have been making them in Salford for more than 100 years.

You can still get proper ice cream in town. Something made from milk, cream, sugar and eggs rather than vegetable fat, skimmed milk powder and E numbers. Just look beyond the newsagent’s freezer.

So bin the Magnum and head to one of our favourite places where you can scoop up the best ice cream in town to cool you down.

Gino’s Gelato

Gino’s is the newbie on Market Street, a small parlour that channels Italy from the music  to the ingredients used in the gelato that’s made fresh every day. Tuck into the smooth Ferrero Rocher or the refreshing classic strawberry gelato – or any of the fabulous flavours – in a tub, cone, on a waffle, in a milkshake or even on a pancake. Great stuff.

Price – £ Cheap and Cheerful

78 Market St, Manchester M1 1PD

Carluccio’s

The real deal. Hiding away up the stairs in Piccadilly Station is Manchester’s best ice cream. Carluccio’s has been serving commuters and visitors for years. That’s obvious. What isn’t obvious is the outstanding ice cream that is served daily in the restaurant. The friendly staff don’t care if you’re there for a five course meal or a dessert and a can of San Pellegrino. A favourite has to be the selection of coppas on offer including limoncello, a treat for the grown ups, and raspberry & hazelnut torrone – torrone being your new favourite Italian sweet treat after you’ve had a piece of the nougat from the Carluccio deli.

Price – ££ Worth It!

Piccadilly Station, Manchester, M1 2PB

Ginger’s Comfort Emporium

Products sourced from local producers, Ginger’s is on the first floor of Afflecks which means it’s already cool – and that’s before trying the ice cream. Like Gino’s, they have loads of stuff to suit your ice cream needs including dairy-free ice cream. Be sure to try the Chorlton Crack. It’s really moreish.

Price – ££ Worth It!

52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW

TeaTime Collective

We love ice cream that’s good for the animals just as much as it’s good for us. TeaTime Collective dedicate their whole ice cream range to dairy-free loveliness. It’s a bakery/cafe on Oldham Street and it’s home to dairy-free treats. Irish Cream flavour is the one for us.

Price – £ Cheap and Cheerful

89 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW

Cream’s Cafe

The new kid on the block is ready to give the people of Manchester some out-of-this-world flavours at their ice cream parlour. Cream’s is the home to over 30 different ice cream flavours. Mmmmmmm. They’ve got sundaes with sour candy in and banana ice cream that’s smooth and sweet. And don’t forget the sorbets such as the exotic Amalfi lemon flavour. Now where’s my sun hat? Time for a trip to Italy.

Price – £ Cheap and Cheerful

Portland St, Manchester M1 3BE