Minoli’s of Machen named the best ice cream maker in the UK

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Minoli’s of Machen has been crowned the best ice cream maker in the UK, in the industry equivalent of the ‘Oscars’.

The former dairy farming family which runs the firm sells its award-winning ice cream from its Basil and Rusty’s parlour at Gellwasted Farm, Machen – where the ice cream is made.

It is the fourth time the family have named champions at the National Ice Cream Competition, which is run by trade body the Ice Cream Alliance.

Minoli’s of Machen was started in 1987 by dairy farmer Lewis Richards and wife Sue. The family had 30 years of dairy experience before venturing into the ice cream business.

Lewis died in August 2017 after a courageous battle against cancer, and the firm is now run by his widow Sue, son Geraint and daughter-in-law Emma.

Geraint, who is chief ice cream creator for Minoli’s, said: “Our success is all down to my late Dad, Lewis, who created this recipe that we still use today and my Mum, Sue, who with a little help from us, has carried on this award-winning ice cream making business after my Dad passed away in 2017.”

“Our retail arm Basil and Rusty’s is a family-run ice cream parlour set in beautiful countryside, serving delicious ice cream desserts and gourmet coffee in a very relaxed friendly atmosphere. My mum is an integral part of our business as well. A fair description of the business dynamic is that Emma and Sue are the engine and ensure the essential work is done.

“I make the ice cream and talk a lot. And our kids Tess, nine, Ted and Belle, both seven, are the chief tasters.”

The ice cream made under the Minolis of Machen brand is only available at the Basil and Rusty’s parlour and café and at the annual Royal Welsh Show on the Minoli’s of Machen stand under the grandstand.

The company uses milk for their ice cream from a small local family supplier and also relies on locally-based suppliers for its cakes and coffee served in Basil and Rusty’s – which will also start serving pizza this summer.

Zelica Carr, chief executive of the Ice Cream Alliance said: “Congratulations to Geraint, Emma and Sue. The ice cream sector has had a challenging time over the last two years.

“This family shows that the sector has overcome these challenges and has bounced back better than ever for 2022 and the future.”

The National Ice Cream Competition has been running for 77 years and bestows a badge of quality and excellence on all those that win. It was judged by 43 experts over two days at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2022.