Miriam JonesItalian gelato is the stuff of legend. Those who have tried the real McCoy speak of its magnificence; the array of flavours and colours piled high behind ice cream counters in Venice, Rome, Milan… and now York. LICC (Luxury Ice Cream Company) opened in April 2010, tucked away on Swinegate. If you’ve already been, you’ll know there is something truly magical about this wonderful little ice cream parlour. If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat.
Dawn Argyle was an Interior designer, who worked with her husband as a property developer, until the world financial crisis of 2008. After a narrow escape from falling victim to the recession, the couple ended their business, and took some time out to consider their options. Dawn decided it was time to follow her dreams of opening a shop, and began looking for a gap in the market; something unique, that didn’t have to compete with the Internet, or corporate giants.
A trip to Florence on a cruising holiday gave her a flash of inspiration, as she discovered the delights of Italian gelato – York’s own ice cream parlour, delivering fresh, luxury ice cream, in interesting flavours. Dawn received the very best training, from a 3rd generation Italian Gelato master, named Marco, from Rome, who stayed with the couple for a week, sharing his family recipes and teaching them the art of ice cream making. Top quality equipment was installed, the finest fresh ingredients bought in, so that after lots of hard work, and just one year after Dawn’s initial idea, LICC opened the doors to its first customers.
The key to their success is their originality; ceaselessly experimental and exciting, they have a running total of around 180 different and imaginative flavours of their own recipe ice cream served daily, from classics like chocolate, and strawberry, to the more unusual, such as English trifle, or (my personal favourite) banana, walnut, and brown bread, tweaked to suit the seasons and special occasions. They are always happy to take suggestions, and even happier to let you have a try before you buy any one of their 24 daily flavours. They also serve teas and coffees, as well as ice cream floats, decadent sundaes, and retro gifts and sweet treats galore. Open 7 days a week, they have shortened opening hours over the winter period, but only close between January and February, for machine maintenance, and a holiday!
Pop in and meet Dawn yourself, and try some of LICC’s amazing ice cream. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face, as we most certainly did. After our lovely chat, the Argyle’s kindly treated my partner in crime and I each to a complimentary tub of ice cream, so we felt very lucky indeed. Yum!
