Come down to Gelato Village, Leicester’s only authentic Italian gelateria!

Gelato Village is the product of the passion for food held in the hearts of two Italians, natives of the Piedmont region which is the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. Opening in the heart of Leicester in August 2014, Gelato Village has been committed to creating true Italian gelato with a unique sense of place.

The cornerstone of Gelato Village is the milk they use. This is rare breed milk from a single herd of Ironstone Red Poll cows at Belvoir Ridge Creamery in Leicestershire. This herd the only one in the UK to preserve the Red Poll breed in such an authentic state. The farm is independent from contracts with supermarkets etc. and this gives them the freedom to farm in a more gentle, sustainable manner. The milk itself is un-homegenised and seasonal, as the herd’s browse changes over the year.

Gelato Village also sells the milk by the litre in the gelateria, as well as supporting other local producers such as The Bee Farmer in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. This connection to a network of local producers has prevented the team from seeking to expand beyond one unit, as without the Leicestershire inspiration, it simply wouldn’t be Gelato Village any more. This sense of place is also reflected in stock recipes like Alice Hawkins (lavender and white chocolate gelato) and Richard III (fruits of the forest with homemade rose blossom essence) which give a nod to Leicester’s heritage.