La Gelatiera Artisan Gelato – 7 New Row, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4LA
First off we’ve got La Gelatiera, located in Covent Garden (a short walk from Leicester Square). It’s not uncommon to find vegan friendly sorbets, but it makes all the difference when a shop labels their products (it may not seem like an issue, but constantly asking about ingredients can be exhausting).
My positive feelings toward this business also stem from the owner’s willingness to discuss his shop with some random blogger off the street (and it’s quite obvious there’s a lot of passion behind what he’s doing).
I’ve stopped by the shop a few times now and they always seem to have at least four or five vegan options (always on your left, front row, as you face the counter). The chocolate chili is sublime (only a tiny fraction of a kick) and the fruit flavours are all natural and refreshing.
Almost as ace as the fact that they make such delicious sorbets is the big plexiglass window in the floor, which sits directly above the kitchen where the ice creams are made. Note to self: remember you wear skirts and dresses 85% of the time.
Tutti Fruiti Frozen Soy Yoghurt – 2 Bedford St, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9HH
Yes, this is the same Tutti Fruiti as the well known American chain, and yes the rumours of a vegan froyo are correct. It tastes nothing like frozen yoghurt and, according to a staff member, costs twice as much as other flavours (the place runs on a pay by weight system), but it’s also not overly sweet and is one of the best treats you can have on a hot summer’s day. Plus you can top your froyo with an array of toppings, including a great selection of fresh fruits.
The flavours vary on any given day, but they always seem to have the soya frozen yoghurt (very end tap). The list of possible flavours includes three other vegan options (watermelon sorbet, orange sorbet, and pink lemonade), but I’ve yet to see any of these appear in store. In fact the staff seemed on more than one occasion a little unsure about the whole concept of the dairy free line.
Other vegan ice cream options in London
- Neal’s Yard Salad Bar have been producing both mango and chocolate soft serve vegan ice creams for years (or a mix, which I recommend).
- Inspiral Cafe in Camden is an almost 100% vegan business with a big selection of cashew based scoop ice creams.
- Gelateria Danieli has a few South London shops and a selection of great dairy free sorbets.
Of course I know there are more that either aren’t yet on my radar or have slipped my mind. Please do tell if you know of any other London businesses producing their own vegan ice creams.
