Whether you enjoy a classic strawberry, chocolate or vanilla, or prefer a wider selection of flavours, these ice cream parlours have got you covered.
Here in the North East we're spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying that sweet craving on a summer day, with some people who have travelled to the region even confessing to tasting the best ice cream of their lives during their visit.
From Northumberland to County Durham, the region is home to a number of family-run ice cream businesses which have remained a favourite with customers for generations. And it's not surprising that many have won awards for their creations.
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With such a wide variety to chose from, ChronicleLive decided to take a look at which ice cream parlours were favoured by reviewers on Google and whip up a list of customer favourites. Each North East ice cream parlour on the list has had hundreds of reviews from customers raving about their delicious treats.
Here's what Google reviewers rated the top ice cream parlours in the North East.
Where do you think serves up the best ice cream in the region? Let us know in the comments.
Minchella & Co
An impressive 1,700 reviews have been shared about this South Shields ice cream parlour on Google, giving it a total rating of 4.5 out of 5. And if that wasn't enough to persuade you, in 2022 the parlour was named by the Times as one of the best places for ice cream by the coast in the UK.
This parlour has also won awards for its pistachio and vegan peach flavours and visitors have praised their seasonal creations, including Easter Creme Egg and Christmas pudding. Reviewers have commented that there isn't a huge variety of flavours at this parlour, but the flavours they do whip up are spot on, with one reviewer saying: "One of my favourite places, worth the 300 mile trip."
Others have called for Minchella's to expand and open a parlour in London. While a number of people confessed that they couldn't visit the North East without a trip to Minchella's.
Di Meo's
With 1,500 reviews on Google and a rating of 4.8 out of 5, it's no surprise that Di Meo's earns a place on the list of best ice cream parlours in the North East. The family-run business opened its first parlour on Marine Avenue, in Whitley Bay, in 2000 and has since opened in several other locations.
The Di Meo family now has additional parlours on Whitley Bay promenade, as well as sites in Tynemouth and Ouseburn, giving people more opportunity to try their award-winning ice cream. And its known for its variety of flavours, which vary each day.
Some popular Di Meo's creations include Biscoff, Raffaello, Battenberg cake and Whitley Wonder - a blue ice cream with hidden sweets. And of course we can't forget Pistacchio Crunch, which was named the best ice cream flavour of 2020 in the National Ice Cream Competition.
Wheelbirks Parlour
Wheelbriks Parlour in Stocksfield, Northumberland, prides itself on creating delicious ice cream and milkshakes on site using milk from their own cows. And visitors can even meet them, as the resident Jersey cows and calves can be seen in the fields outside the parlour from March to November each year.
The parlour, located at Wheelbirks Farm North Cottage, also has a shop on site, as well as Canny Crafty Pottery Painting in a barn on the farm, making it a perfect day out for all the family.
Wheelbriks Parlour has 994 reviews on Google and a total rating of 4.6 out of 5. Reviewers often refer to Wheelbriks Parlour as having "the best ice cream", with one reviewer writing: "Immense ice cream. Out of this world venue and service. Been a regular for some time, hard not to be with such jaw dropping flavour left right and centre!"
Morwick Dairy Ice Cream
Morwick Dairy Ice Cream, in Acklington, Morpeth, has recently celebrated its 20th birthday and during that time has racked up 947 reviews on Google and has a total rating of 4.8 out of 5. The parlour, located on Morwick Farm, has been using the same base mix recipe in our ice creams throughout its history and has made close to 300 flavours.
As well as the classic vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and raspberry ripple flavours, Morwick creates a number of tasty alternatives, including: Cookies and Cream, Apple and Cinnamon, Ad Gefrin Whisky and Ginger, and Estate Tea Co Earl Grey.
One reviewer who visited the site last month described Morwick ice cream as the best in the country. They wrote: "Best ice cream we've had a chance to try in the country, seriously - no better ice cream found yet! Always a variety of flavours to choose from and the service is lovely too. They also sell great raw milk and milky soaps. We're coming back whenever we've got a chance and will continue to do so, so a heartfelt recommendation here!"
Lickety Split Creamery
This 50s American diner inspired parlour in Seaham is said to have an "excellent choice of ice cream sundaes", but reviewers are equally complimentary of the waffles served at Lickety Split. The parlour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Google, calculated from 896 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: "Best ice cream parlour in County Durham. I've been coming here for years and its always been delicious. My wife even visited with her primary school class and the owner gave the children a full tour and taught them about how ice cream is made."
Another said: "Amazing flavours. We had cinnamon, cherry, and rose Turkish delight. The cherry was a very powerful flavour, but I could eat the cinnamon all day! Highly recommended!" And a third wrote: "I had a clotted cream ice cream with sauce and it was so creamy and tasty, can't wait to go back again. There was a HUGE range of flavours and the portions were massive!"
Cresswell Ices
Cresswell Ices on Sea View, in Cresswell, has been described as the "best ice cream" by a number of reviewers. The parlour has an impressive 823 Google reviews and a total rating of 4.6 out of 5. And this is what those who have visited the parlour had to say:
"Amazing ice cream with a huge variety of flavours. My husband's current favourite is 2 scoops of jaffa cake and 1 scoop of toffee. However mine is good old vanilla. I've tried vanilla in hundreds of places and in different countries, but this place is always my no. 1 and with a marvellous beach just 100 yards away you can't go wrong."
"I love this little beach and ice cream shop, the staff are so friendly. I've been visiting here with my family ever since I was a kid. I always go for blue cloud and mint choc chip in a tub, it always tastes amazing and brings back so many happy memories I've had there over the years."
Spurreli
Spurreli at The Old Chandlery, in Amble, has been reviewed 704 times on Google and has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. The parlour is praised for its wide variety of ice cream on offer, as well as cakes, snacks and hot drinks.
One reviewer wrote: "Best ice cream ever!! Elderberry and Ginger was lovely. Sea Buckthorn is my favourite. Decent Hot Chocolate as well." Another added: "All the years of visiting Amble this was our first time in here. I had the coffee and walnut cake and hubby had rum and raisin ice cream. He could not stop raving about it saying it's the best he's ever had. They did look amazing but I prefer cake. He intended to stop for another but got waylaid so will visit next time we are in the area."
A third wrote: "OMG if you are in Amble this place serves the best homemade ice cream in the world. The coffee is also excellent."
The Dairy Barn
The Dairy Barn at High house farm, in Crook, serves much more than ice cream, offering hot drinks, lunches, and even breakfasts with a view overlooking the beautiful countryside and an outdoor play area to keep the kids entertained. The venue has 649 reviews on Google with a total rating of 4.6 out of 5. And here's what reviewers had to say about the place:
"1st visit won't be my last. Loved the table overlooking a beautiful view. The staff were friendly and told us how to order. I had toasted sandwich with coleslaw and crisps. Great taste. All fresh. Pot of tea was refreshing too. Good prices. I bought red velvet cheese cake to take home. It is delicious"
"It is our 47th Wedding Anniversary today and I asked my wife where she would like to go for lunch. Bearing in mind.....it could have been anywhere....she wanted to come to the Dairy Barn, because we both love it. As ever......she was right ( again ) a lovely setting, delicious food and welcoming staff. Good choice Mrs B, (as good as the one you made 47 years ago)".
Arrighi/Crescent Cafe
Arrighi's Crescent Cafe in Seaton Deleval are known across the region for their delicious ice cream, which has earned them 4.6 star rating out of 5 on Google. So far, 584 people have reviewed this parlour, with many confessing to have been customers for years.
One reviewer said: "This ice cream parlour has been here ever since I have been in the UK. People I used to work with in Newcastle used to mention it like some place in a legend. I had no idea I lived so close to the place. The ice cream is incredible and always hits the spot. If you are passing by, call in. They have an outside seating area. The coffee served here is really good too. Five stars."
Another added: "I've been buying ice cream here for over 30 years and never disappoints. The best ice cream I've ever had." A third wrote: "Still superb ice cream, I've been going for over 50 years. The next generation are doing well!!"
Mimi's Ice Cream Emporium
This "hidden gem" on Rotary Way, in Gosforth, might not have been around for as long as other parlours on the list after opening around four years ago. But already it has clocked up 502 reviews on Google and earned itself a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
One reviewer said he had tasted the best ice cream of his life at Mimi's, writing: "Genuinely the best ice cream I've ever had in my 37 years on this planet. The salted caramel is incredible. Also, the staff are incredibly polite and well mannered and always make it a pleasure. A credit to themselves and the business."
While another wrote: "Absolutely delicious ice cream. So many flavours to choose from. My favourites are the fruity flavours but the kids love the chocolate ones and Biscoff - so something for everyone! I also think the coffee is superb here too. Well worth a visit (and we’ve made several!!!)"
And a third added: "Mimi's is an absolute hidden gem! Really friendly staff and lovely relaxing atmosphere. More importantly the gelato, ice creams and baked treats are fantastic. There is a huge selection of flavours with most of them made in house from locally produced ingredients. The staff are happy to let you sample the different flavours to make sure you like them before you buy them. There is ample seating both inside and outside to enjoy your treats. Overall a great place to go for a lovely sweet treat or a cuppa and a cake and just chill out."
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