Minoli’s of Machen has again been crowned champion at the National Ice Cream Competition in the United Kingdom. This is the fourth time that the former dairy farming family has won the most coveted prize for frozen sweet treats served at their Basil & Rusty’s ice cream parlour and café based at the Gellwasted Farm in rural Machen, just outside Caerphilly in Wales.
“We are absolutely delighted to win this award,” said Geraint Richards, chief ice cream creator for Minoli’s, and co-owner of the Basil & Rusty’s parlour with his wife Emma. “Our success is all down to my late dad, Lewis, who originated the recipe that we still use today, and my mum, Sue (seen in center of photo above, between her son and daughter-in-law) who with a little help from us has carried on this award-winning ice cream making business after dad passed away in 2017.”
Richards added: “Our family-run ice cream parlour set in beautiful countryside, serving delicious desserts and gourmet coffee in a very relaxed friendly atmosphere. My mum is an integral part of our business as well. 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 and Ted, respectively aged 9 and 7, are the chief tasters.”
Minolis of Machen branded ice cream is only available at Basil & Rusty’s and at the annual Royal Welsh Show on the Minoli’s of Machen stand under the grandstand.
The parlour sells the original seven classic flavors Minoli’s created – Dairy Vanilla (the 2022 Champion Award winner, pictured above), Wild Strawberry, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Dairy Toffee, Rum and Raisin and Dairy Coffee) – in various formats, including special sundaes dished out with high quality sauces and toppings to provide different flavor combinations. New on the menu is Minoli’s new Lemon Crunch ice cream, which won a Diploma of Merit at the National Ice Cream Competition.
Waffles are also served, as are cakes made by a local baker. The milk and cream used in the ice cream also comes from a nearby family business. Additionally, Basil & Rusty’s plans to start serving pizzas this summer.
About the Competition
The National Ice Cream Competition is regarded as the “Oscars” of ice cream awards in Britain. It is organized every year by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the UK trade association for the industry. Hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories ranging from Best Vanilla to “Alternative” products which include those formulated free from allergens, as well as dairy-free, low-fat, high-protein and no-sugar offerings.
“Congratulations to Geraint, Emma and Sue,” commented Zelica Carr, the ICA’s chief executive officer. “The ice cream sector has had a challenging time over the last two years. This family shows that the business 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. This year’s event was recently judged by 43 experts over two days during the Ice Cream & Artisan Food Show at the Yorkshire Event Centre.
