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5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Glasgow

5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Glasgow

  • Ice Cream Selection – Our comprehensive evaluation delved into the quality and variety of ice cream offerings at each parlour.
  • Service and Staff – We assessed the promptness, friendliness, and the staff's willingness to cater to customers' preferences.
  • Prices – Our review considered the affordability of ice cream selections at each parlour, highlighting those that deliver budget-friendly, quality frozen treats.
  • Ambiance – We considered each ice cream shop's environment, decor, and overall experience of savouring ice cream.

Those craving a scoop of pure delight are in luck since in the vibrant city of Glasgow, ice cream isn’t just a treat; it’s a passion! From classic flavours to innovative concoctions, Glasgow’s ice cream shops have mastered the art of frozen bliss. 

Whether you’re a fan of traditional favourites or eager to explore avant-garde varieties, this guide will lead you to the most scrumptious ice cream destinations in the city. Get ready to indulge in the finest frozen creations Glasgow has to offer.

1. Big Licks Skypark

Big Licks Skypark's Homepage

Known For: Ice Cream Sundaes, Hot and Cold Sweet Treats, Toppings, Burgers, Fries, Shakes

Website: https://www.biglicks.co.uk/

Address: 47 Finnieston St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8JU, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 141 226 2244

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 1PM–10:30PM

Google reviews score4.3/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4/5
Score consistency4.9/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Ice Cream Selection4.5/5
– Quality4/5
– Variety5/5
Service and Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • 15 years of experience
  • Open 7 days a week
  • Known for their hand-made artisanal ice cream
  • Also known for shakes and burgers
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Has delivery services
  • Must try Kinder Bueno and strawberry gateau sundae

Cons

  • Toffee sundae is a bit bland
  • Opens later in the day
  • A tad pricier

As ice cream lovers, we chose to indulge in Big Licks Skypark first. Established in 2008, this dessert haven has been tantalising taste buds across Scotland for over a decade.

They’re open seven days a week, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings whenever they strike. If you’re in the mood for hand-made artisanal ice cream, ice-cold shakes, or juicy burgers any day of the week, they’ve got you covered.

We appreciate that the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, welcoming all dessert enthusiasts. If you’re craving Big Licks but can’t make it to the restaurant, they offer delivery services, setting them apart from other ice cream places.

During our visit, we tried their Kinder Bueno sundae, which was an absolute delight. The combination of creamy ice cream and the irresistible Kinder Bueno made for a truly heavenly treat.

We also sampled the strawberry gateau sundae, and it did not disappoint, offering a burst of fruity flavour.

However, we noticed that their toffee sundae, while promising, fell a bit short. A touch more caramel sauce would have elevated the taste to match the others.

It’s worth noting that Big Licks Skypark opens later in the day, at 1 PM, which might not suit early risers or those seeking an ice cream fix in the morning. 

Additionally, compared to some other ice cream places, their prices are slightly higher.

2. Loop & Scoop

Loop & Scoop's Homepage

Known For: Ice Cream, Churros, Coffee, Gelato, Teas

Website: https://loopandscoop.com/

Address: 665 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8RE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 141 334 6600

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Thurs: 2PM–10PM
  • Fri-Sat: 11AM–11PM
  • Sunday: 11AM–10PM
Google reviews score4.4/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.4/5
Ice Cream Selection5/5
– Quality5/5
– Variety5/5
Service and Staff3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • UK’s first Ice Cream and & Churro Bar
  • National Ice Cream Championships 2022 Winner
  • Charming shop with outdoor and upstairs seating
  • Dog-friendly
  • Must try loop & scoop with Biscoff ice cream
  • Offers vegan options

Cons

  • Long wait time
  • Unfriendly staff

As a proud owner of a sweet tooth, Loop & Scoop – the UK’s first Ice Cream and & Churro Bar – lured us in with its solid reputation and unique menu.

Aside from boasting about being the UK’s first of its kind, they were also recognised for their gelato. The Gold Medal they received at the National Ice Cream Championships 2022 intrigued and impressed us.

We were also impressed with their well-lit and charming shop adorned in white, light brown, and chocolate hues. Not only was it pet-friendly, but it also had outdoor and upstairs seating.

Their menu was truly unique, featuring handmade ice cream and churros created right on the premises. 

Their signature dish, the “loop and scoop,” was a glorious fusion of a giant glazed churro loop and artisanal ice cream; they let customers customise their choice. We chose to have it with their Biscoff ice cream, and it was perfect.

We also tried their filled churros, where we could choose the filling: Nutella, dulce de leche, or peanut butter. We chose Nutella, and it was yummy – crispy on the outside and oozing hazelnut deliciousness within. 

Unlike other shops, they offer vegan options – perfect for vegans craving for gelatos and churros.

However, their wait time tested our patience, stretching to a lengthy 44 minutes. 

We also thought the staff were unbelievably unfriendly and unhelpful. Not a single smile graced their faces, making us feel like unwelcome guests.

3.  Minted Ice Cream

Minted Ice Cream's Homepage

Known For: Ice Cream, Gelato, Soft Serve, Brownies, Cookies, Toppings, Cookie Sandwich

Website: https://www.mintedicecream.com/

Address: 262 Byres Rd, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SH, United Kingdom

Contact Details: https://www.mintedicecream.com/contact/

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 9AM–10PM

Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score5/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Ice Cream Selection4.5/5
– Quality4/5
– Variety5/5
Service and Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Cosy and pleasant aesthetic
  • Uses only Scottish dairy milk from pasture-fed cows
  • Uses locally sourced ingredients 
  • Small-batch production
  • No avoid additives and preservatives
  • Must try Oreo ice cream
  • For vegans, must try coconut and melon ice cream

Cons

  • Steep pricing
  • Texture was a bit off

Walking into Minted Ice Cream, we were immediately charmed by their cosy booths, textured walls, and pleasing white and wood aesthetic. 

They proudly proclaimed that their gelato was crafted from top-quality Scottish dairy milk, sourced from pasture-fed cows, which we appreciate. It sounded like a dream for dairy lovers, promising the creamiest milk around. 

They also emphasised their use of locally sourced ingredients and small-batch production. There’s something appealing about knowing your ice cream has a touch of local flavour.

I’m all for indulging in sweet treats, but knowing that they avoid additives and preservatives is a big plus in my book. It’s good to savour the pure, unadulterated taste of the ingredients. 

As for the ice cream itself, the Oreo flavour was a hit, providing that perfect balance of cookie crunch and creamy sweetness.

They also had vegan options, which is considerate for those with dietary preferences.

For instance, their coconut and melon vegan ice cream was a refreshing surprise. We loved its tropical flavours that provided a perfect contrast to the usual dairy-based options. 

Unfortunately, the experience was not without its downsides. The price was a bit on the steeper side, mainly due to the cost of their toppings.

What’s more, the texture of the ice cream didn’t live up to expectations. It lacked the creamy, smooth consistency I was hoping for, leaving me somewhat disappointed.

4. Nowita Ice Cream

Nowita Ice Cream's Homepage

Known For: Ice Cream, Ice Cream Cake

Website: https://www.nowita.co.uk/

Address: 51 Hyndland St, Partick, Glasgow G11 5QF, United Kingdom

Contact Details: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Thurs-Sun: 12PM–9PM

Google reviews score4.9/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Ice Cream Selection4/5
– Quality5/5
– Variety3/5
Service and Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Creates small batches only
  • Locally sourced ingredients
  • Unique flavours
  • Must try pistachio and caramel and coffee ice cream
  • Uses local ingredients
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • Relatively new
  • Closed from Monday to Wednesday
  • Requires a two-week advanced order for ice cream cakes

Next, we visited Nowita Ice Cream to sample their artisanal, small-batch ice cream. Founded by the passionate husband and wife team, Jamie and Jill, this relatively new gem is already leaving its mark.

Their dedication to crafting quality ice cream is evident in that they create only small batches. This allows them to give a high level of care to every single flavour.

Speaking of flavours, they have unique ones that other parlours do not have such as Italian meringue, banana bread, and chocolate honeycomb.

We first tried their pistachio flavour, and it boasts a rich, nutty taste that’s a must-try for any ice cream enthusiast. Additionally, their caramel and coffee combination is simply wonderful.

Maybe their ice cream is awesome due to their use of local ingredients sourced from independent stores and farms, including milk and cream from Mossgiel Farm. This not only supports local businesses but also ensures freshness.

Moreover, Nowita takes pride in being eco-friendly, using fully recyclable, natural materials for packaging. Plus, they partner with suppliers who prioritise sustainability.

While being a newcomer isn’t a drawback in itself, it’s worth noting that the shop opened in 2022. Kinks like a more limited flavour selection and longer wait times are to be expected as they establish their footing in the industry.

Additionally, they’re closed from Monday to Wednesday, so a midweek ice cream craving may need to be postponed.

Finally, they require two weeks’ notice for ice cream cake orders, so spontaneous celebrations may require a bit more planning.

5. Olivia’s Gelateria

Olivia's Gelateria's Homepage

Known For: Ice Cream, Scoops, Crumbles, Smoothies, Milkshakes, Crepes, Coffee

Website: https://www.oliviasgelateria.com/

Address: 344 Crow Rd, Glasgow G11 7HT, United Kingdom

Contact Details: [email protected] 

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 11AM–8PM
  • Sat-Sun: 10AM–8PM
Google reviews score3.9/5
Tripadvisor reviews score5/5
Score consistency4.4/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Ice Cream Selection4.5/5
– Quality4/5
– Variety5/5
Service and Staff3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)3/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Near George Square
  • Beautiful decor
  • Has outdoor seating and street parking
  • Known for their fruit-based ice creams
  • Has dine-in packages
  • Has gluten-free and vegan options
  • Must try Scottish Tablet ice cream

Cons

  • Some flavours had off-putting textures
  • Were ignored by the staff
  • Steep pricing

We wandered into Olivia’s Gelateria, a mere half kilometre from George Square, and were enchanted by their bohemian/Parisian ambiance. The vibrant colours and greenery were balanced by a dark ceiling, creating a charming setting for our trip.

They also provide outdoor seating and convenient street parking, making it a great spot to enjoy the open air. You could even bring your fur baby since they welcome pets, which we appreciate.

For those with a penchant for fruit-based ice creams, Olivia’s offers a delightful twist. You can pair your fruity delight with crumble and choose toppings like custard or marshmallows. 

They even have dine-in packages, like the Olivia’s Cream Tea, which includes sweet treats and tea or coffee for two at £16.95. This is great for dates or just for catching up with a friend.

The shop also caters to various dietary preferences, with a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options. 

In terms of their ice cream, their Scottish Tablet ice cream was a creamy delight, rivalling other premium offerings.

However, their Oreo cookie and cream ice cream didn’t quite hit the mark; it had a slightly crystallised texture, possibly from melting and refreezing. 

Initially, we were ignored by the staff when we entered, unsure whether we could sit down or needed to wait.

It’s worth noting that the price point for their ice creams is on the steeper side, so you may need to be prepared to dig a bit deeper into your pockets.

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