7th December 2022
A morning with Henley Ice Cream
To kick start our Local Brand Crush series, our Agent Grace sits down with Cindy, the founder of Henley Ice Cream Shop, one of our favourite local spots in beautiful Henley-in-Arden.
Where did the initial business idea come from and how did you get started?
Henley Ice Cream began back in 1934 by two brothers who farmed the land around the area. With the excess milk that they had, they got their mother to create various recipes to make ice cream with it. I worked for Tudor Dairies at the time who helped produce the ice cream, but they closed in 1998, which is when my husband and I decided to buy the parlour and we’ve been running it ever since.
Where do you source the ice cream from now?
We have it made on two local farms, who both use their local herds.
Who does the taste testing at the shop?
All of us! It’s a huge perk of the job.
Do you have a favourite moment since setting up?
We recently celebrated 80 years at Henley Ice Cream and sold the ice cream for 1934 prices – about 4p! We opened up the Heritage Centre Gardens next door and wore Victorian outfits to serve the ice cream and even had an old fashioned trike outside. Everyone came out to celebrate. It was a glorious day and one we will never forget.
We’ve partnered with The Cotswolds Distillery to create two cocktails – The Elderflower and Mint Gin Fizz and The Man About Town? If you had to choose, which would be your drink of choice?
Oh, definitely the Elderflower & Mint Fizz – who could go wrong with a Gin?!
We love supporting local businesses in the area. Who is your local brand crush and why?
I’d probably say the local butcher’s up the road – It’s owned by a lovely guy, Matt, who is just starting out so I like to support him where I can.
What would you say to someone looking to move to Henley-in-Arden?
It’s such a lovely place to live with a lot going on. I wish anyone moving to Henley good luck and we hope to see you soon!
Thank you so much for chatting to us, it’s been a pleasure and we can’t wait to come back!
