Machen-based ice cream parlour recognised at international awards

Award-winning ice cream parlour Basil and Rusty’s has been recognised at this year’s Great Taste awards, with thousands entering from across the world.

The independent parlour on the edge of Machen has a rich history of scooping major awards, including being named as the best ice cream maker in the UK in 2022.

This time around, Basil and Rusty’s has been recognised for its chocolate whisky cream and honeycomb pieces ice cream.

Each entry was “meticulously blind-tasted” by an expert judging panel made up of more than 500 food critics, chefs, recipe creators, buyers, retailers, and other specialists in the field of food and drink.

Entries were analysed across 92 judging days, each receiving detailed feedback on whether or not they obtained an award.

John Farrand, managing director of Fine Food, which manages the awards, said: “It’s hugely important to us to inject some positivity into the speciality food and drink industry.

“We’re doing our bit for cultural relations across the planet when there is so much legislation trying to prevent it. 

“It’s a real privilege to support and underpin independent makers through the process of Great Taste.”