Ayr ice cream king crowned best in UK
Sarah Jane McDonald It was third time lucky for Scotland’s King Cone, Philip Mancini, who has been voted the UK’s national ice cream champion.
Lifting the top title, Mancini’s vanilla ice cream wowed the judges at The National Ice Cream Competition recently, winning four trophies including the prestigious accolade of best in UK.
Hosted by The Ice Cream Alliance, the Ayr- based dessert maestro has been a consistent winner in the contest, lifting the champion title three times in the last nine years.
Philip is the third generation ice cream maker in his family who have been making the delicacy for more than 100 years.
On the big win he said: “I couldn’t be more delighted, within the ice cream industry the National Champion is the prize that we all want to win.
“It is the ultimate accolade and I feel so proud to have won it for the third time.
“I’ve been making the same vanilla ice cream all my life, it’s a simple recipe using the finest Scottish cream, milk, butter and a little sugar with the best Italian vanilla.
“I believe that ice cream should have a silky soft feel that melts in the mouth with flavours that light up your taste buds and it should always be served with a broad smile.”
The family’s famous Royal Cafe in Main Street has been mothballed while he concentrates on production and serving wholesale customers. He also runs the parlour at Prestwick Promenade.
Ice Cream Alliance Chief Executive Zelica Carr added: “When you look at the quality of the competition this is a truly remarkable achievement.
“Philip continues to demonstrate what a skilled ice cream maker he is.”