The hazy summertime days are well and truly here; and during their busiest time of the year, York’s ice cream masterminds have gone above and beyond to serve up their take on the best ice cream in York. Now I know what you’re thinking, the best ice cream in York? That’s quite the statement! But I can assure you, this is a real scoop. 

Gone are the days of the much-loved yet unambitious Neapolitan ice cream and raspberry ripple, and as for a Mr Whippy 99 that actually costs 99p, you may as well consider that ancient history. In their place now stands an all-encompassing list of new ice cream flavours and combinations, making it hard to believe there are any more ice cream possibilities left to try. Nonetheless, in this list of trusty independents you can be sure to find your latest dream ice cream. 

If like me you think of an ice cream parlour to be decorated as sweet as the ice cream itself then look no further than Stonegate, where you’ll find LICC serving up the ultimate curb style as well as a whole host of sweet treats. LICC, which stands for Luxury Ice Cream Company was founded almost a decade ago, and during that time, the team and so called ‘flavourologists’ have been able to perfect their extensive menu of over 150 flavours of ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yoghurt. 

Their flavourologists are always coming up with new creamy combinations, incorporating British staples like custard creams, Bakewell tarts, and for one day only even fish and chips into their ice cream. But fear not those of you who are feeling a little bit more vanilla, you can be sure to find a good rich chocolate, a classic nutty, and mint choc chip good enough to make you melt.

If this is you then Graham’s is the spot. One van was all it took for Graham to establish his ice cream vending business in the 70’s, and he now runs five ice cream vans with his wife Margaret. You can find Graham and his ices in his usual spots, Bell Farm, Clifton, and Tang Hall. Alternatively, on Marygate Landing by the ouse will be a family member serving up all the classics like Wall’s, Nestle, Kelly’s of Cornwall, alongside many more. 

It’s York’s friendly nature that makes it easy for creative minds to carry out their pipedreams, and there are two ice cream independents that have proved this to be true by taking ice cream on the go to a whole new level. As many flock to the river that runs through the heart of the city during the summer months, Steve Blakeman who owns the two independents, Full Moo and Two Hoots, has well and truly clocked on by creating two ice cream vending boats. Genius. 

Although very different, the two boats work to the same premise of serving ice creams up and down the River Ouse to people strolling along the riverside and even to those rowing! Constructed by Steve himself, the Full Moo boat is a successful combination of a retired canal boat and ice cream van; painted in blue and pink stripes with a life-sized cow parked on top, you’ll struggle to miss it parked on the riverside. The Full Moo is cleverly installed with solar panels which keeps the ice cream cool, so you can be served up the delicious flavours of lemon curd, peaches and cream, maple and walnut, alongside many more which will be served almost as cool as the boat itself. 

Just like it’s big sister, the Two Hoots boat is yet another successful combination of ice cream van and an old river push tug boat, but this combo is a bit more obvious to spot. And whereas the Full Moo boat only takes to the water on the sunnier days, the Two Hoots boat is up and out for business every day, and can be found just by Millennium Bridge.