Visitors to Durham Cathedral may spot a new feature outside the 930 year old building – a purple ice cream bike!
On sunny days the bike will be parked outside of the cathedral serving up award winning, real Italian gelato and ice cream.
The cathedral team has partnered with local producers Ciccarelli Ice Cream in Blyth who manufacture and supply 100% artisan gelato and ice cream using the finest locally sourced ingredients and genuine Italian flavourings. Based in the North East of England, the company was formed by the Ciccarelli family whom have been in the ice cream business for over 40 years.
Hannah Ellis, Head of Enterprise at Durham Cathedral says,
“We’re delighted to be able to serve delicious Italian ice cream from local suppliers to our visitors before they enter the building. On sunny days, people need a refreshment after walking up the cobbled streets to the cathedral. Our new ice cream cart can offer them a cooling treat and an opportunity to sit on a bench or on the grass to catch their breath and take in the view outside of the cathedral before heading in.”
Ice cream will cost £3.50 per 120ml tub and every purchase helps to support the care of the cathedral building and grounds, which is part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. To cater for the diverse visitors that come to the cathedral, the cart will be selling many different flavours and types of ice cream.
Hannah continues,
“We have a broad range of flavours so there’s lots to choose from including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and salted caramel. There’s also allergy-friendly and vegan options for people too. Our four legged friends won’t be left out either as we even offer ice cream for dogs – tubs of K99s!”
The purple bike, which has been generously purchased by Ciccarelli Ice Cream to support the cathedral’s fundraising efforts, will be outside of the cathedral on sunny afternoons in the summer months. Staffed by a friendly member of the Durham Cathedral team the ice cream is available by card sales only.
For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk