Artisan ice cream parlour Glaslyn are celebrating their ‘best set of results ever’ from the prestigious annual National Ice Cream Competition.
The family-run business was awarded the Cadbury Trophy for the second time in their decorated history at a grand ceremony hosted by the Ice Cream Alliance at The Belfry in Birmingham.
“To win this trophy is awesome and an amazing start to the year”, said Managing Director and third generation owner Bonnie Rowley. “The competition recognises the best ice cream producers in the UK and to be competing and winning at the highest level for so many years is something we’re really proud of.”
The pioneering Beddgelert parlour has now won seven gold medals, four silvers, four bronze, and over 100 diplomas throughout its history dating back to the early 70s when renowned North Wales ice cream maker Derek Rowley began experimenting with soft serve ice cream.
In 2010, Derek became the inaugural winner of the Cadbury Trophy, awarded for the best-in-class chocolate ice cream.
Fifteen years later, the secret family recipe that uses traditional Italian methods and machinery to make premium gelato-style ice cream, has won over the judges again. “To win the chocolate class again and continue my dad’s legacy is very special,” added Bonnie.
But the good news didn’t stop there for Glaslyn. The artisan small-batch producers were overwhelmed to also scoop a silver medal in the ultra-competitive vanilla class, a bronze for caramelised biscuit in the flavour class, and a fourth place for passionfruit in the sorbet class.
”We’re over the moon. This was our best set of results ever and I’d like to thank all our production assistants and front of house staff who help make and serve our ice
creams throughout the season,” said Glaslyn Head of Ice Cream, Derwyn Roberts. The results provide a timely boost going into what will be another challenging year in the hospitality industry with ever-rising overheads and cost of ingredients. Quality, freshness, and sustainability are non-negotiable values for Glaslyn though, who also operate a much-loved café and pizzeria from their dog-friendly Beddgelert base in the heart of Eryri National Park, overlooked by Moel Hebog.
Glaslyn’s menu showcases a wide range of Welsh food and drink suppliers and can be enjoyed by booking a table in the recently renovated café – pizzeria, or via click and collect takeaway.
Alongside award-winning pizza and ice cream, Glaslyn customers this year will also be able to take home a selection of locally produced unique craft products. “Our family business dates back to the 1940s when my grandparents used to specialise in Welsh textile crafts,” said Bonnie. “It makes perfect sense for us to enhance our customer experience further by bringing back a retail element that ties the business back to its roots.”
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors old and new back to our legendary village this year… just make sure you don’t leave without trying the chocolate ice cream!”
