This thing is a piece of happiness. It can stir the dearest memories in our hearts. It would seem nothing special, but how many vivid emotions and sensations are associated with it. If you still haven’t guessed what we are talking about, all these warm words were dedicated to ice cream. It is the very reflection of the carelessness and lightness of our life. It makes children and adults so genuinely happy. In the modern world, ice cream isn’t just a food but a work of art. Various restaurants compete with each other in creating new original tastes and consistencies. London is no exception. In the capital of Great Britain, you can find ice cream for every taste. Here, it has unique shapes, interesting designs and most importantly, unforgettable tastes. So, what is its history in London? Learn more at ilondon.
The first mentions of ice cream in England
As it often happens, authorities are the first to pick up new trends. Perhaps, it’s funny, but the same happened to ice cream in England. For the first time, this dessert is mentioned in the description of a banquet at Windsor Castle. The event was held in honour of Saint George in 1671. So, the Royal Family was the first to try this delicacy. It is also interesting that plates with ice cream and strawberries were placed only on the higher part of the table. Thus, not everyone present could try the ice cream. Of course, it also indicated the rarity of the treat. Many more years passed before ordinary Londoners could enjoy ice cream.
An interesting and unusual recipe
The first ice cream recipe in London and the whole of Great Britain was also associated with the Royal Family. The unique recipe for that time was published in the cookbook Mrs. Mary Eales’s Receipts. It was created by Mary Eales who allegedly was Queen Anne’s confectioner. This fact has not yet been confirmed, but her cookbooks (including the ice cream recipe) are more than real. However, even when ordinary people learned how to make it, ice cream still remained an elite dessert. The main problem was the large amount of ice specified in the recipe. This ingredient was quite rare for ordinary Londoners. Despite the simple recipe, it still occupied a special place on tables in grand palaces and banquet halls.
Who introduced Londoners to ice cream?
Londoners gained access to this wonderful dessert in 1847 when the Swiss businessman Carlo Gatti came to the city. He introduced ordinary people to ice cream. Carlo Gatti opened a cafe and restaurant where people could taste the most delicious chocolate and ice cream. He signed a contract with the Regent’s Canal Company and, thus, got access to ice. His business expanded every day. Later, the entrepreneur brought ice from Norway. He built a special warehouse to store it and delivered his products to wealthy customers. Ice cream became one of the favourite desserts of many people. The entrepreneur also sold it at a market stall. Today, the Charing Cross station is located near that place. It was an interesting new type of street food that was in high demand (especially in summer). The residents of the city really liked this alternative to traditional desserts. The waffle cup was not only tasty but also very convenient. Later, bicycles with colourful carts selling ice cream began to appear on the city streets.