Lewis of London: the Ice Cream Farm

During the school holidays you need a few ideas up your sleeve and here’s a fabulous option – especially if you’re partial to ice cream. Lewis of London ticks a lot of boxes.

This family favourite set in idyllic Green Belt countryside on the edge of Barnet has recently been going from strength to strength. The Lewis family have been running this 300-acre dairy farm since 1968 and, with milk prices progressively falling, decided to diversify into ice cream in 2014, initially selling wholesale to cafés, pubs restaurants and museums.

In 2016 Fiona and Daniel Lewis opened Fold Farm as an ice cream farm allowing visitors to sample the broad range of flavours and offering a large play area for children. Since then the café has evolved stylishly, now offering drinks, sandwiches, desserts, sundaes, milkshakes and other treats. They host an array of activities through the year, as well as being available for private bookings. (See our original piece from 2017 here.)

Following an intense June heatwave, my latest visit was on a dreary wet morning, but it soon brightened up. My latte hit the spot nicely and, after careful consideration, I had a scoop of their rose stracciatella ice cream. It’s quite easy to over-do rose flavouring, but this was subtle and beautifully balanced: silky smooth, pale pink ice cream flecked with shards of dark chocolate. It really was good and would make an impressively chic dessert. This is one of more than 35 flavours that include dairy-free ice creams and sorbets. Other favourites of ours include raspberry ripple, salted caramel, cinnamon and pistachio and almond.

Not surprisingly, it’s popular with local families and in better weather, do expect long queues. However, if you fancy something more exclusive, they also have a fleet of ice cream carts and bikes that can be hired out – ideal for a summer party! Otherwise, if you simply want to restock your freezer, you can click and collect via their website.

Opening hours
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Check the Lewis of London Facebook page for details of upcoming events and activities.