5 elevated ice cream sundaes that make the perfect nostalgic summer dessert

6 elevated ice cream sundaes that make the perfect nostalgic summer dessert

Credit: Courtesy of brands

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5 elevated ice cream sundaes that make the perfect nostalgic summer dessert

By Amy Beecham

2 years ago

2 min read

These five summer sundaes make for nostalgic yet stylish dining.  


The greatest joy of childhood dining? Undoubtedly the dessert. There is something about those nostalgic sweet treats that keeps us craving them even years later, from comforting apple crumbles to fresh fruit and jelly.

But for many of us, there really was nothing that could beat the charm of a sundae. Perfectly scooped ice cream and lashings of chocolate sauce, all topped off with whipped cream and the signature cherry.

And now that summer feels like it’s well and truly arrived, the familiar urge to cool off with a big bowl of icy goodness has come back around again. However, in 2023, the ice cream sundae is anything but basic. Delicious ingredients, such as rum-soaked raisins, clotted ice cream and caramelised popcorn, are taking centre stage in these modern, sophisticated iterations.

So whether you like things kept classical or more elevated, here are our picks of the five best sundaes to scoop up across London. 

Longboys sundae

Longboys

The brainchild of critically acclaimed pastry chef Graham Hornigold, Longboys may be best known for its finger doughnuts, but it shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to its homemade soft-serve sundaes. Our mouths are watering over the jammy doughnut sundae, comprising Jersey milk soft serve, homemade berry compote, homemade cinnamon doughnut pieces and topped with sprinkles.

Served at all sites including the flagship cafe in King’s Cross. Price start from £6

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Double Standard at The Standard

Double Standard at The Standard

In the heart of King’s Cross, you’ll find The Standard serving up a delicious knickerbocker glory ice cream sundae finished with salted caramel, chocolate and whipped cream.

Price start from £8.50

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The Colony Grill Room’s Bespoke Sundae

The Colony Grill Room’s Bespoke Sundae

The Colony Grill Room at Mayfair’s The Beaumont Hotel offers a make-your-own bespoke sundae, where guests can create their own ice cream masterpiece using a fun tick sheet. Choose from a regularly changing selection of ice creams, sorbets, toppings and sauces. Our choice? Piedmont hazelnut, cookie crumbs and stracciatella ice cream.

Prices start from £13

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Nessa’s Nessabockerglory

Nessa’s Nessabockerglory

Nessa, Soho’s newest modern bistro, is offering its take on the knickerbocker glory, featuring pretzels, salted caramel and rum-soaked raisins. 

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The Laundry’s Coupe Dänemark

The Laundry’s Coupe Dänemark

Brixton’s favourite all-day neighbourhood bistro has introduced a Swiss-inspired Coupe Dänemark to the menu with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and Afghan honeycomb crunch.

Price start from £8

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Images: courtesy of brands

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