Now that it is officially June and most of us are leaving exams for the blissful 2 hours of sun that Oxford gives us, we can see nothing but people gathering for ice cream in the warm weather. If you’re wondering where is worth to try and where isn’t, here’s a guide to the large number of ice cream places in Oxford!
George and Danver’s
Honestly, we all expected this to be first – it’s an Oxford institution for a reason, right? I think the reason why G+D’s stands the testament of time really banks on their unique flavours. G and Danver’s has such a nice spread of flavours, ranging from more classic (biscoff, honeycomb, or cheesecake) to weirder (blueberry, strawberry lemonade, rose pistachio), and almost all of them taste delicious. The few flavours that I didn’t want to at least sample were alcoholic ones, like lime daiquiri, which I’m sure the resident finalists will love. With the option of having your ice cream in sundae, affogato, or with hot chocolate, there will always be something for you!
George and Delila’s
Yes, there is a difference! Unlike its sister location on St. Aldate’s, the flavors here tend to be a bit more boring, but still quite nice. The general lack of seating (one floor instead of two at G and Danver’s) is what makes it second place. I will always order mango sorbet (and it is almost always there when I go!) to brighten up my day.
Swoon
Swoon is in third solely because of its pistachio gelato, which is absolutely perfect: not too sweet, not too nutty, and absolutely delicious. The tiramisu ice cream also is delicious, with just a slight aftertaste of coffee. As a mint fan, the mint straciatella makes me so happy – the mint is strong!
iScream Gelateria
This place in the Covered Market also has 10% off, but the free wafer always makes me happy! Unlike Swoon, we can get two flavors in the small cup, which bodes well for the indecisive – my normal order is a mix between the straciatella and the lemon sorbet, but I once had black sesame gelato and cried of happiness, it was so good. #bringbackblacksesame
Najar’s
Honestly, not bad! It’s just a basic Mr. Whippy ice cream, but sometimes you just want a bit of soft serve. This is the ice cream that goes in their milkshakes, though, and I would take the Najar’s strawberry milkshake over an ice cream cone (and any other milkshake flavor) any day.
Italiamo
Nothing particularly wrong with this one, but perhaps the prices could be a bit nicer… I like the lemon sorbet here as well, it’s not too tart but not bland.
Love Coffee Cafe
Love Coffee just has ice cream on their cart outside, which has tempted me a few times. The vanilla ice cream goes well with their waffles, but otherwise, I feel that I would’ve rather gone to G and Ds just because of the variety in flavours. Definitely make a visit for their pastries and cakes, though!
Honourable mention: Endorphins
Not an ice cream place, but a bingsoo place, Endorphins has a nice range of Asian-inspired flavors such as their Thai iced tea, with tapioca balls, whipped cream, and a giant pile of bingsoo. The price may be a turnoff for many people, but if you split it between two people, it’s just £5.50, which feels more reasonable for an extra special treat or a date.
