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How a love for chemistry transformed into ice cream

By Lewis from Alfonso’s Gelateria

Lewis, the person behind Alfonso’s Gelateria explains how his passion for ice cream came about.

I was born in Rome and moved over to the UK in 2010. My passion for ice cream was already in full flow and I really missed the flavours as well as the lifestyle that is so unique to Italy.

When I think of gelato, I think of community.

A visit to a gelateria in Italy provides an occasion to meet up with friends, treat your family, see familiar faces, and chat to people you’ve never met before.

So after finishing my degree in Chemistry in 2015, I began experimenting with ice cream recipes, which developed a desire to one day open up my own gelateria. 

Our classic Italian flavours celebrate our heritage, often taking inspiration from regional products and desserts such as banoffee pie and Tiramisu. We also love experimenting with different ingredients and combinations in order to offer new and exciting flavours.

In all aspects of the gelateria’s I own, I aim to bring authenticity and a real taste of Italian culture. I decided on the name Alfonso after my Italian nonno who came to England in the 50s. 

My mission is to present the quality and flavour of artisan Italian ice cream to Stroud and our other locations throughout Oxfordshire.

 Our product is 100% artisan, meaning it is made completely from scratch. We only use ingredients of the highest quality, sourced sustainably whenever possible. By making it locally every morning, we can deliver our gelato at its best to you.

The team make a special effort with every customer and cater for little ones with Bambino ice creams and those who want to just enjoy one scoop but with two flavours. 

Alfonso’s Gelateria opened in Five Valleys Market last autumn and are gearing up ready for the busy warmer months. You can find Alfonso’s opposite Sandersons department stores open six days a week. 

 

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