Notarianni’s
Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
Let’s face it, no summer seaside excursion is complete without an ice cream. The Notarianni family have been providing Blackpool locals and holidaymakers with fine ice cream since the beginning of the twentieth century, when Luigi and his wife Messalina arrived from Italy via a short stint in Scotland.
The couple, along with their two children, initially set up in 1928 on Central Promenade with a popular menu consisting of beautiful vanilla ice cream, sundaes and cold drinks. Business was good, before long a second parlour was opened on Waterloo Road. Running since 1937, it is that second Waterloo Road operation that remains open for you to visit today.
Obviously they’re doing something right. The famed Notarianni’s is now operated by third and fourth generations of the family, and they remain quite proud of the fact that they are still serving up the same homemade vanilla ice cream as Luigi and Messalina over 90 years on.
They are still serving up the same homemade vanilla ice cream as Luigi and Messalina over 90 years on.
Today’s sundae menu is eclectic and extensive. Of course there is a place for classics like the Banana Split and Knickerbocker Glory, but they are joined by more modern additions such as decadent Oreo and Kinder Bueno concoctions.
Personally, we’re up for a Golden Mile — layers of ice cream, fudge pieces and toffee sauce — although we cannot help but be intrigued by the do-it-yourself Affogato, which arrives with Amaretti biscuits and a shot of espresso for you to pour over the soft vanilla staple.
It’s not all ice creams though, there is also a range of milkshakes and soft drinks, or a variety of Italian coffees if you’d rather something warmer. Everything is available to eat in the newly refurbished sit in parlour, or to take away, for those of you who would prefer to make the short walk to the seafront to enjoy your selection.
