Amorino

London's first outlet for this European-wide Italian ice cream chain is within cone-throwing distance of Comptons, the Admiral Duncan, Balans and several other Soho gay spots on Old Compton St. This gelato is dense and smooth and flavourful. There's also a decent espresso, plus chocolates and biscuits. The business belongs to two childhood friends, Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi, who opened their first shop in 2002, on the Ile Saint-Louis in Paris. As of 2024 there are 21 other outlets, including Covent Garden, Islington, Camden, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Kensington High St and Fulham. That said, Soho's best gelato remains the more artisan (and gay-owned) Gelupo in Archer St, a two-minute walk round a few corners [see entry].