Big Kid Ice Cream, a tiny shop tucked away just off Carnaby at 1 Kingly Street in Soho, has been hailed as London's best ice cream shop, offering experimental, maximalist flavours that evoke a real-life Willy Wonka experience. Founded by Harry Webb in 2022, the independent brand combines the craftsmanship of Italian gelato with the nostalgia of Mr Whippy.
What Makes Big Kid Ice Cream Unique
The hole-in-the-wall flagship location regularly goes viral on social media, with customers calling it 'London's best', 'most fun', and 'quirkiest' ice cream shop. Despite its small size and very limited seating, the shop packs a punch with its innovative menu.
Current flavours include Marmite on Toast, Ube Blueberry Muffin, Tea & Biscuits, Hong Kong French Toast, Black Sesame Oreo, and Olive Oil Baklava. For those preferring tamer options, there are elevated classics like Brown Butter Vanilla and Chocolate Cereal Milk (Coco Pops). Previous flavours have included McDonald's Fries and Cheese & Dill Pickle.
Prices and Tasting
A single scoop starts from £5.50, rising to £9 for a double. While not the cheapest, customers can try before they buy to ensure satisfaction. Metro's specialist food writer, Courtney Pochin, praised the Marmite on Toast flavour: '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.' 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.'
The Story Behind Big Kid
Harry Webb started Big Kid as an ice cream van four years ago, aiming to challenge and reinvent the humble Mr Whippy. It quickly became one of London's most popular brands, crowned London's best ice cream van in 2023. After opening the Soho scoop shop, the plan is to continue growing with more sites across the capital and eventually a giant ice creamery and farm shop in the countryside.
Other Top Ice Cream Spots in London
If you can't make it to Big Kid, other recommended spots include Gelupo at 7 Archer Street for fresh daily gelato like Ricotta Sour Cherry and Bitter Chocolate sorbet; Chin Chin Labs on Greek Street or Seven Dials Market for Europe's first liquid nitro ice cream with flavours like Glazed Potato Peel Soft Serve; Minus 12° inside Herne Hill Station for small-batch churned ice cream with weekly changing flavours such as Peanut Chocolate Chip and Piña Colada; and Gelateria Danieli in Richmond for artisanal gelato made with local dairy milk, featuring Bakewell Tart, Honeycomb, and Pistachio.
