Liverpool's ice cream vans are serving hundreds of customers daily as temperatures hit 34°C, with vendors reporting some of the busiest days of the year. At the Royal Albert Dock, 19-year-old William Fildes from Birkenhead is one of the first sellers greeting visitors near The Pump House.
Seasonal Demand Peaks
Fildes told the ECHO: "It can get really busy but kids are still in school so it's not peak season yet. It's mainly tourists around now who are coming in to see the city or stopping by on boats, but if this weather was at the end of July we'd be rammed." He noted that ice cream season runs from March to October, with demand starting in early spring.
Despite the heat, the busiest period is still ahead. Fildes added: "When the weather hasn't been great people take advantage of the sun. I'm always expecting those days to be the busiest."
Surprising Customer Demographics
Fildes said the most polite customers are teenagers aged 15 to 20. "What will surprise a lot of people is the reality compared to what people see and hear online. They say the new generation is impolite but, to be honest, I think the most polite customers we have are 15 to 20 year olds. It's not what you'd expect but it's true."
Year-Round Trade at Pier Head
At Pier Head, 72-year-old Phil Walton from Walton runs his van all year, even during cooler months. He told the ECHO: "You meet different people all the time. It's mainly tourists but a lot of kids too. I couldn't count how many people we serve in a day, especially when it's weather like this." He agrees the trade is seasonal but remains busy throughout the year.
Prime Location at Liverpool ONE
Near the famous green steps at Liverpool ONE's Sugar House, Callum Taaffe, 27, from Birkenhead, serves a constant stream of customers. He said: "The hot days are always the busiest. It's just always non-stop especially during half term and the six-week holidays for the kids. We have such a great location too so there is always people around and walking past."
Taaffe noted the unique positivity of the job: "You never serve anyone angry. Everyone is always happy when they get an ice-cream because why wouldn't you be. It makes everyone happy." He also admitted to treating himself: "Always. You've got to treat yourself."
