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After a week or so’s respite, London is once again in the grip of a heatwave. The capital’s third major heat event of 2026 is now underway, with peak temperatures forecasted to hit a roasting 34C.
How can you stay cool? Well, you could, of course, check out Time Out’s extensive guide to London’s coolest places. Or you can take the more traditional (and tasty) option: order yourself a scoop (or two) of the city’s finest ice cream.
Obviously, not all ice cream is made equal. Some scoops are creamier, more flavour-packed, more topping-loaded than others. Which is why Time Out has ranked the best ice cream and gelato spots in London right now. Whatever your choice – cone or cup, sorbet or gelato – we’ve got you covered.
Our top pick is currently Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta in Stoke Newington, which Time Out London Food & Drink Editor Leonie Cooper has crowned the city’s best ice cream parlour.
Stokey expert Rosie Hewitson said about R&G: ‘If the sun isn’t a big enough clue, you’ll know it’s a hot day in Stoke Newington by the size of the queue at Romeo & Giulietta.
‘This artisan gelateria offers silky, authentic Italian gelato as well as numerous serving suggestions about the best combos to try. They’re not wrong when they recommend a scoop of pistachio with their ricotta and caramelised figs, or for vegans the extra dark chocolate sorbet with a serving of black cherry praline.’
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Second place, for the second year running, was taken by Soho’s Gelupo (don’t miss the ricotta sour cherry, mint stracciatella and apricot sherbet flavours), while third was Chelsea’s bonkers Ice Cream Project – which this year counts Euthymol toothpaste, OXO stock cube and Capri-Sun Orange among its choices.
🍦 Read the full list of Time Out’s best places for ice cream and gelato in London here.
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