Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Hastings

Ice Cream and the Seaside Spirit of Hastings

Ice cream is woven into the fabric of the British seaside, and Hastings is no exception. On a warm afternoon, the promenade between the pier and the Old Town fills with families, couples and day-trippers enjoying cones as they watch the waves roll in over the shingle. Whether you are walking past the net huts on the Stade, riding the East Hill Cliff Railway or exploring the boutiques of St Leonards, there is always an ice cream close at hand.

The town's ice cream scene blends traditional parlours with premium British dairy brands and international names stocked in local shops. This guide celebrates the ten brands that make Hastings summers, and indeed many winter afternoons, a little sweeter.

What Makes an Ice Cream Brand Stand Out

Great ice cream starts with quality ingredients, particularly fresh milk and cream, real fruit and natural flavourings. Texture matters just as much as taste, with the best products offering a smooth, creamy finish without iciness. Increasingly, customers also value dairy-free options, ethical sourcing and inventive flavours that change with the seasons.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands

1. Di Paolo's

A Hastings seafront favourite, Di Paolo's is an Italian family-run ice cream parlour and restaurant that has served generations of locals and visitors. Its traditional recipes, generous scoops and wide range of flavours make it a must-visit stop on any trip to the promenade.

2. Boho Gelato

Originating in nearby Brighton, Boho Gelato is famous for small-batch, artisan gelato in bold and imaginative flavours. Its creative approach and high-quality ingredients have earned it a loyal following across Sussex.

3. Jude's

Jude's is a premium British ice cream brand made in Hampshire. Known for its indulgent flavours, carbon-neutral ambitions and excellent plant-based range, it is widely stocked in Hastings supermarkets and delis.

4. Mackie's of Scotland

Made on a family farm in Aberdeenshire, Mackie's is celebrated for its pure, creamy traditional ice cream. Its commitment to renewable energy and farm-fresh milk appeals to sustainability-minded shoppers.

5. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's brings the rich flavour of Cornish clotted cream to freezers nationwide. Its Cornish vanilla is a classic choice for a nostalgic seaside treat enjoyed at home.

6. Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's is known for chunky mix-ins, playful flavour names and a strong social mission. Its tubs remain one of the most popular choices in Hastings convenience stores and supermarkets.

7. Haagen-Dazs

Haagen-Dazs offers a dense, luxurious texture and a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients. It is a favourite for those seeking a premium dessert experience.

8. Magnum

Magnum's chocolate-coated ice cream bars are among the bestselling treats in seaside kiosks. Its range of limited editions and dairy-free versions keeps the brand fresh and exciting.

9. Wall's

Wall's is a cornerstone of British ice cream culture, with icons such as the Cornetto, Feast and Twister. You will find its distinctive freezers in shops and kiosks along the Hastings seafront.

10. Yeo Valley

Yeo Valley, an organic dairy from Somerset, produces creamy organic ice cream made with milk from its own farms. Its focus on regenerative farming and organic standards appeals to eco-conscious families.

Ice Cream Trends in Hastings

The growth of plant-based eating has led to impressive dairy-free ice creams made with oat, coconut and almond milks. Artisan gelato continues to rise in popularity, with customers seeking authentic Italian textures and seasonal flavours. Sustainability is another important theme, as brands reduce packaging, use renewable energy and source ingredients responsibly. Locally, there is growing enthusiasm for flavours inspired by the coast, from salted caramel to honeycomb and seasonal berries from Sussex farms.

Where to Enjoy Ice Cream in Hastings

The seafront promenade is the classic spot, particularly near the pier and the boating lake. The Old Town offers charming streets to wander with a cone in hand, while Alexandra Park provides a peaceful setting away from the crowds. On sunny days, a short walk up to the West Hill rewards you with spectacular views across the town and out to sea.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Scoop

Try a parlour favourite such as Di Paolo's for a freshly scooped experience, and look out for seasonal specials. If you have allergies, ask about ingredients, as traditional parlours often handle nuts and dairy. For gatherings at home, premium tubs from British dairies offer excellent quality and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?

Gelato typically contains more milk and less cream than traditional ice cream, and it is churned more slowly, incorporating less air. The result is a denser, silkier texture and a more intense flavour, usually served at a slightly warmer temperature.

When is the best time to enjoy ice cream in Hastings?

Summer weekends are the busiest, with long queues on the seafront, so weekday afternoons or early evenings are more relaxed. Many parlours stay open beyond the peak season, and a winter cone on a crisp, sunny day by the sea is a treat many locals swear by.

Conclusion

Ice cream is part of what makes a day out in Hastings so memorable. From a historic Italian parlour on the seafront to farmhouse dairies and global favourites, these ten brands offer something for every taste, every age and every kind of seaside day.