On a crisp spring day in the picturesque village of Beddgelert, nestled in the heart of Eryri, there’s no better way to wrap up a countryside walk than with a visit to Glaslyn Ice Cream Parlour. The village, famous for its connection to the poignant tale of Gelert the faithful hound, attracts visitors year-round with its stunning landscapes, including views of iconic peaks like Yr Wyddfa and Crib Goch. Amid this natural beauty, Glaslyn stands out as a destination in its own right.
This family-run establishment has deep roots in the local community. Founded by Joan and Bert Rowley in the 1930s as a Welsh textile craft factory, it wasn’t long before the couple diversified into food. In the 1970s, they expanded into a gift shop and café in Beddgelert, where they first introduced soft-serve ice cream. With the help of their son Derek, they later transitioned to serving artisan ice cream—a move that has paid off with multiple awards over the years. Now under the management of Derek’s daughter, Bonnie Rowley, the parlour continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.
Glaslyn recently earned the prestigious Cadbury Trophy for its chocolate ice cream, a win that further solidified its reputation for crafting some of the best frozen treats in the UK. Intrigued by this accolade, I visited the parlour to sample the award-winning chocolate ice cream for myself.
Despite visiting during the quieter early spring months, Glaslyn’s menu offered a rich variety of ice cream and sorbet flavors, including everything from the classic vanilla and mint choc chip to more adventurous options like Welsh Cake for St David’s Day. The team at Glaslyn is known for their playful creations—previously introducing a baked bean-flavored ice cream for April Fool’s Day, though I opted for the chocolate ice cream.
Displayed behind glass, the chocolate ice cream had a glossy sheen and a rich, deep brown hue. Unlike many chocolate ice creams that can feel overly sweet or cloying, this one struck the perfect balance. It was undeniably chocolatey, creamy, and smooth without leaving an overwhelming aftertaste or dry mouthfeel. Even on a warm day, the ice cream held its shape well, staying refreshingly cold and firm, while the waffle cone provided a subtle toasted flavor that complemented the richness of the chocolate.
Bonnie Rowley, who now oversees the parlour, explained that one of the things that makes Glaslyn’s ice cream special is its commitment to freshness and quality. “Everything is made on-site, which is rare these days,” she said. “We’re lucky to have recipes that have been developed over the years, and we continue to refine them.” Bonnie’s father, Derek, developed many of the parlour’s signature recipes, and his legacy lives on in every scoop.
In addition to the chocolate ice cream, Glaslyn’s vanilla flavor earned second place at the same awards ceremony, while their caramelized biscuit flavor secured third place and their passion fruit sorbet landed in fourth. Bonnie reflected on the recognition, saying, “It’s always felt like my dad’s awards. Even though I’ve been running the business for six years, it still feels like a family and team achievement.”
If you’re ever in Beddgelert, a visit to Glaslyn is not only about ice cream. The café offers a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts and traditional sandwiches to more substantial meals like quiches and pizzas. Named after local mountains, rivers, and legends, the pizzas have become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. During my visit, I tried the Gelert pizza, paired with rustic chips and dips of garlic mayo and hot honey.
The pizza was outstanding, with perfectly cooked dough and a tangy, sweet homemade tomato sauce. The Fior di Latte mozzarella added a creamy contrast, and the hot honey dip was a unique, flavorful addition, balancing sweet and spicy notes beautifully. The chips, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, completed the meal, making it an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re indulging in award-winning ice cream or enjoying a delicious meal, Glaslyn Ice Cream Parlour in Beddgelert offers a taste of local tradition, crafted with care by a family dedicated to quality.
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