Big Kid Ice Cream, a tiny shop tucked away just off Carnaby at 1 Kingly Street in Soho, has been named London's best ice cream shop by Metro. Founded by Harry Webb in 2022, the independent brand prides itself on blending the craftsmanship of Italian gelato with the nostalgia of Mr Whippy.
Unique Flavors and Menu
The menu features experimental, maximalist flavors including Marmite on Toast, Ube Blueberry Muffin, Tea & Biscuits, Hong Kong French Toast, Black Sesame Oreo, and Olive Oil Baklava. Tamer options include Brown Butter Vanilla and Chocolate Cereal Milk. Previous flavors have included McDonald's Fries and Cheese & Dill Pickle. Prices start from £5.50 for a single scoop and rise to £9 for a double, with a try-before-you-buy policy.
Metro's specialist food writer Courtney Pochin praised the Marmite on Toast flavor, saying: 'This might just be the ultimate sweet and savoury pairing. Buttered toast ice cream is swirled with an intense Marmite caramel sauce, and chunks of Marmite toast. 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.' She 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.'
Growth and Recognition
Big Kid started as an ice cream van in 2022, aiming to 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. The flagship Soho location regularly goes viral on social media, hailed as 'London's best,' 'most fun,' and 'quirkiest' ice cream shop. Plans include opening more sites across London and eventually a giant ice creamery and farm shop in the countryside.
Other Top Ice Cream Spots in London
Gelupo at 7 Archer Street offers fresh daily gelato with staples like Ricotta Sour Cherry, Bitter Chocolate sorbet, and Mint Stracciatella. Chin Chin Labs on Greek Street and Seven Dials Market serves Europe's first liquid nitro ice cream, with flavors like Glazed Potato Peel Soft Serve and Honey Butter. Minus 12° in Herne Hill Station offers small-batch churned ice cream with weekly changing flavors such as Peanut Chocolate Chip and Piña Colada. Gelateria Danieli in Richmond provides artisanal gelato with options like Bakewell Tart and Pistachio.
