We’ve found London’s best ice cream shop — it feels like real life Willy Wonka

Sun’s out, which can only mean one thing… It’s officially ice cream o’clock.

London isn’t short of sensational spots to grab a scoop (or three), with everything from traditional Italian gelato to dairy-free soft serve, and Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project on offer in the city. 

But as the heat ramps up, there’s one place Metro can’t stop thinking about, as it boasts some of the most interesting flavours we’ve ever tried. 

We won’t keep you in suspense, here’s everything you need to know about it…

Where’s London’s best ice cream?

If you happen to be in central London during the heatwave, you’ll want to visit Big Kid Ice Cream.

You’ll find the tiny store tucked away just off Carnaby at 1 Kingly Street.

It’s essentially an ice cream hatch, but don’t be put off by its small size (or very limited seating), as the place packs a real punch.

Founded by Harry Webb in 2022, the independent ice cream brand prides itself on having ‘the craftsmanship of Italian gelato’ as well as all the ‘chaos and nostalgia of Mr Whippy’.

The ‘hole-in-the-wall’ flagship location in Soho regularly goes viral on social media, with people hailing it as ‘London’s best’ ice cream, ‘London’s most fun ice cream’, and ‘London’s quirkiest ice cream shop’.

What’s on the menu?

The menu is filled with experimental, maximalist flavours that would make even the likes of Willy Wonka do a double-take. 

Current options include Marmite on Toast, Ube Blueberry Muffin, Tea & Biscuits, Hong Kong French Toast, Black Sesame Oreo, and Olive Oil Baklava. 

But if you prefer something a little tamer, there’s bound to be something to suit your tastes, too, with elevated classics like Brown Butter Vanilla and Chocolate Cereal Milk (Coco Pops).

Previous flavours have also included McDonald’s Fries and Cheese & Dill Pickle.

Prices for a single scoop start from £5.50 and rise to £9 for a double. It’s certainly not the cheapest ice cream out there, but you can try before you buy to ensure you’re getting something you’ll really enjoy.

Metro’s specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, is a big fan of the quirky Marmite on Toast flavour, admitting she was ‘blown away’ the first time she tried it.

‘This might just be the ultimate sweet and savoury pairing,’ she proclaims.

‘Buttered toast ice cream is swirled with an intense Marmite caramel sauce, and chunks of Marmite toast,’ she says.

‘It’s rich, and packed with savoury umami flavours, with a hint of buttery sweetness that reminds you this is, in fact, a dessert, and not lunch.’

Courtney added: ‘You’ll either love it or hate it, but personally I was blown away by it. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had an ice cream like it before.’

What’s the story?

When Harry first set up Big Kid four years ago, the business started as an ice cream van, intending to challenge and reinvent the humble Mr Whippy.

It quickly grew into one of London’s most popular ice cream brands, being crowned London’s best ice cream van in 2023.

After this, Big Kid opened its flagship ice cream scoop shop in Soho, and the plan is to keep growing, opening more sites across the capital, and eventually a giant ice creamery and farm shop in the countryside.

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