When the weather’s hot, and even when it’s not, you can’t beat a creamy scoop of ice cream.
The jingle of the ice cream van on a long hot summer’s day is an ultra-nostalgic sound. But you don’t have to wait for the ice cream to come to you, oh no, because Manchester is packed with top-tier ice cream parlours. From Italian-style gelato to fruit-topped frozen yoghurt, here’s where to find the best scoops in town.
Jersey Girls
Credit: Jersey Girls
Made with milk from their own herd of Jersey cows, Jersey Girls’ ice cream is what you might call cow to cone. Super-creamy and rich in flavour, it’s quality stuff – while fun, experimental flavours will keep you coming back for more. Expect playful creations like Creme Egg, Drumstick-inspired raspberry and milk, and foamy bananas and shrimps!
Where? Jersey Girls, Bury, BL8 1BS.
Find out more: instagram.com/jersey_girls_ice_cream
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
Tucked inside Afflecks Palace, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium is the home of grown-up ice cream dreams. Expect small-batch ice cream with a gourmet twist, with inventive flavours like brown sugar on porridge, alongside the wonderfully-named Chorlton Crack (that’s salted caramel and peanut butter). One lick and you’ll be hooked for life.
Where? Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, 1st Floor, Afflecks Palace, 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW.
Find out more: gingerscomfortemporium.com
Lazy Sundae
Cute, pastel-hued and full of flavour, Lazy Sundae’s brand of Asian-inspired soft serve looks as good as it tastes. You’ll find their aesthetically-pleasing ice cream parlour in the Manchester Arndale – ideal for a sweet treat while you shop. It’s the perfect place to broaden your horizons, trying out flavours like ube and Hong Kong milk tea.
Where? Lazy Sundae, Lower Halle Mall, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ.
Find out more: instagram.com/lazysundaeuk
Snowflake
Credit: Debby Lewis-Harrison
Situated in the Trafford Centre, Snowflake brings luxe gelato to the mainstream. Alongside ultra-creamy handcrafted gelato in flavours like pistachio, hazelnut and salted caramel, they serve a range of gelato-based treats, such as their viral Snow Mango sticks. Expect Instagrammable creations that are almost too pretty to eat – almost.
Where? Snowflake Gelato, Lower Peel Avenue, The Trafford Centre, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AA.
Find out more: instagram.com/snowflakegelato
Sicilian NQ
Not only does neighbourhood bistro Sicilian NQ dish up mouth-watering Sicilian fare, they also serve their very own homemade gelato. Whipped up fresh every day, it’s creamy, rich and utterly delightful. Our pick? It has to be pistachio. Enjoy it on its own or order it with a crunchy cannolicchio shell on top – bliss. They even serve vegan gelato and refreshing granita.
Where? Sicilian NQ, 14 Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1DZ.
Find out more: instagram.com/sicilianfoodnq
Exclusive Scoop
Credit: Sublime Creative
When you spot Exclusive Scoop’s ice cream cart, you know it’s going to be a good day. Their small-batch artisan ice cream is made from ethically-sourced ingredients, resulting in unique flavours like Earl Grey and cherry bakewell. They have a lovely vegan range too, made using oat milk. Keep an eye out for pop-ups or grab a tub from Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Where? Pop-up locations vary, but you can always find their ice cream stocked at Grounded, Cringle Park, Errwood Road, Manchester, M19 2QP.
Find out more: instagram.com/exclusive_scoop
Sweet
Every day’s a cheat day at Sweet. This American-style diner in Denton serves everything from burgers to stacked desserts, but we’re here for the ice cream. They serve theirs whippy-style, and you can have it layered up in a sundae, blitzed up with your favourite chocolate bar or simply on its own. The portion sizes are huge, so arrive hungry!
Where? Sweet, 48 Hyde Road, Denton, Manchester, M34 3AQ.
Find out more: sweetdiner.co.uk
Oasis
Credit: Oasis Ice Cream
No, not that Oasis. This Oasis is a hidden gem in Chorlton and a proper local favourite. Churning their own flavours on-site, there’s a lean towards the traditional – expect classic 99s, banana splits and simple scoops done right. Nostalgic, affordable and always busy when the sun shines, it’s a must if you’re passing through.
Where? Oasis Ice Cream, 109 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9GA.
Find out more: oasisicecream.com
Grandpa Greene’s
Want to enjoy your ice cream with a side of country views? Head to Grandpa Greene’s. With two picturesque canalside locations in Uppermill and Diggle, their luxury ice cream is a scoop above the rest, and well worth a trip out of the city. Made with cream from pedigree Friesian cows, expect gorgeous flavours like Nutella and raspberry pavlova.
Where? Grandpa Greene’s, Ward Lane, Diggle, Oldham, OL3 5JT & King George V Park, Wade Row, Uppermill, Saddleworth, Oldham, OL3 6BA.
Find out more: instagram.com/grandpagreenes
Frurt
Credit: Frurt
Frurt is Manchester’s go-to for frozen yoghurt. Healthier than your average scoop but just as tasty, it’s a great choice when you want a lighter sweet treat. Pick your flavour, then load it up with fruit, syrup and sprinkles. And here’s a secret – order their self-serve and you can try all six flavours at once! You didn’t hear it from us…
Where? Frurt, 63 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5PB & 41 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5BD.
Find out more: frurt.com
IceStone
IceStone’s huge menu of desserts includes freshly made gelato, cookie dough, waffles and more, while its location and late-night opening times makes it a hit with students. Their gelato is creamy, smooth and comes in over 30 flavours – the red velvet is an absolute dream. Expect generous portions, first-class service and gorgeous presentation.
Where? IceStone Gelato, 131 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7DY.
Find out more: icestonedesserts.co.uk
Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream
Made from milk produced on their own farm, Dunham Massey’s ice cream is one of the freshest in Greater Manchester. Their quaint parlour offers rotating flavours – think Dubai chocolate, Mini Egg and blueberry and blackberry macaron – all served with rustic charm and an enviable countryside setting. Pair it with a walk for the ultimate summer’s day treat.
Where? Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream, 34 Station Road, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5SG.
Find out more: instagram.com/dunhammasseyicecream
Yogberies
A Hale village favourite, Yogberries specialises in frozen yoghurt, which you can customise with your choice of fruit, nuts and naughty toppings. Pick your flavour – natural, chocolate, vanilla, Biscoff or special – then keep it nude or dress it up with your favourite additions. For us, it’s blueberries and pineapple with a drizzle of honey.
Where? Yogberries, 2 Victoria Road, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 9AF.
Find out more: instagram.com/yogberries_limited
Pan-n-Ice
Credit: Pan ‘n’ Ice
You can watch your ice cream being made before your eyes at Manchester’s branch of Pan-n-Ice. Famous for its dramatic rolled ice cream, you get to pick your base and toppings, then watch as it’s expertly transformed into those iconic frozen curls. The Bubbalicious is a childhood dream – blue and pink rolls with a nostalgia-inducing bubblegum flavour.
Where? Pan-n-Ice, Selfridges Foodhall, 60 The Trafford Centre, Trafford Boulevard, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8DA.
Find out more: pan-n-ice.co.uk
Macari’s Gelateria
Credit: Macari’s Gelateria
Macari’s in Heaton Mersey serves artisan Italian gelato and sorbet from their friendly parlour. Step inside and you’ll find a clean and bright space and a huge counter, where huge piles of rainbow coloured ice creams await. Rotating flavours include the likes of salted pistachio, crème brûlée and the fruity mango alphonso. Oh it’s good.
Where? Macari’s Gelateria, 446 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3BS.
Find out more: instagram.com/macaris_gelato
Creams
Credit: Creams Cafe
With two locations in Manchester, Creams is a popular dessert chain known for its outrageous sundaes, Italian-style gelato and endless customisation. You’ll find them in the Arndale and Cheetham Hill, where diner-style booths and a massive menu makes them especially popular with teens and families. There’s even a soft play at the Cheetham Hill venue!
Where? Creams Cafe, Unit R9, Halle Place, Manchester Arndale, Market St, Manchester, M4 3AQ & Unit 22, 40 Bury Old Road, Manchester, M8 5EL.
Find out more: creamscafe.com
Moonlight
Moonlight is a Wilmslow Road staple. Visit their stunning cafe and you’ll find roses adorning the walls and the ceiling, while their desserts are just as visually pleasing. There are almost 30 flavours of ice cream to choose from – will it be watermelon or cherry cheesecake? With late opening times, it’s always a winner after a meal on the Curry Mile.
Where? Moonlight, 71-73 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5TB.
Find out more: instagram.com/moonlightmcr
Tsujiri
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If you love matcha, Tsujiri is the place to go. This Japanese cafe specialises in matcha and tea, but their soft serve is well worth a try. Matcha’s the main flavour, but keep an eye out for specials like Houjicha tea and dramatic black sesame. Try it in a cone or a tub, or add a scoop to your matcha latte for a dreamy twist on an affogato.
Where? Tsujiri, Ground Floor, Upper, 50 Faulkner Street, Manchester, M1 4FH & 3 Valette Walk, Manchester, M1 7GA.
Find out more: instagram.com/tsujiri_uk
