A review of Ice Angels, an ice cream parlour in Canonmills

Writing this review feels like telling people a secret.

Ice Angels is a new (since March) ice cream parlour in Canonmills, or perhaps Bonnington, definitely as you walk from Canonmills to Bonnington. The charming little corner cafe isn’t huge. I always hope to get one of the three tables when I rock up, never expect to and am aware that as news of this tasty discovery spreads, those tables will be even more popular.

There are three main key points to stress about Ice Angels.

Firstly, the service here is lovely. It’s too generous at times. I often overhear the family behind the counter as they demonstrate the patience of (ice cream) saints while waiting for people to decide which of the many flavours to try and doing their best to help with the tricky decision.

Secondly, the prices here are incredibly affordable, and I think you could pay a couple of quid more and still believe you are getting a bargain compared to some of the more well-known ice cream shops.

Thirdly, and in no particular order, the ice cream here is fantastic!

Ice Angels’ food

It’s not just ice cream! A display chiller offers a tempting array of frozen treats and all sorts of cones, but there’s a lot more on offer. I’m a sucker for bright colours; mixing green (mint) or orange (iron brew) with blue decorates cones. Behind that chiller, there’s a lot more!

The first thing I ever tried was a bubble waffle on a stick (it comes in a pair) which is a delight!

You can also go for ice cream pancakes, cover them with whipped cream, stuff them full of chocolate or fruit and tuck on in!

Sound like a lot of calories? What about the full-on chocolate kebab! Is there a spinning stick of chocolate carved off and into a wrap as a meaty kebab would? Yes! There actually is!

There are sundaes, milkshakes, and cookie dough. I’m trying to work my way around the menu, and it will take a while!

I’ve not yet tried the milkshakes or Tango Ice Blast. Why not? There’s so much ice cream and sauces to try first. There’s a unicorn glitter sauce I’m yet to toughen up to and try in favour of something like fudge cubes or marshmallows.

Want to melt chocolate into a waffle? Can do. Want to see if you can get all four scoops onto a cone and eat it without spilling a drop? It’s only £5.00 for four scoops (cones charged extra) and the time of writing.

Ice Angel’s vibe

Do social media? Ice Angels have a pair of neon pink wings on the wall for you to stand in front of. If you’re more dexterous than me, you could maybe selfie yourself holding a treat to make an audience jealous while those innocent pink angel wings sprout from your back.

Alternatively, enlist some help and get a snap-in that’ll surely be talked about.

Ice Angels is bright and clean. There are three tables inside, room to stand and wait and smaller tables outside.

It’s kinda the place you’ll want to bring the family, but if someone else has that idea, then it’s going to be a squeeze. When I solo it, I’ve been while families are in, and it’s never been a problem. Kids, well, kids seem to be struck down in awe at the selection.

I’ve never seen anyone rushed to make a decision, but I have seen people struggle to decide. Some of the options are so generous there are several things you need to have answers for; what flavour of ice cream, which candy addition, which sauce, do you want whipped cream and all that for one dish. My tip: Just make the decision. If it’s wrong, try again the next time you visit (or straight away), but I doubt you’ll end up with a selection you didn’t like!

Overall

I’m a big Ice Angels fan. I’ve often walked past other ice cream places, which I know I like, to go to Ice Angels as I know the place on Broughton Road is better. It’s certainly more cost-effective and with a wider selection of cones, tubes and waffles!

Late opening hours, up to 9 pm on some days, are a special treat! It means I can have an ice cream dessert here after eating dinner elsewhere. I’ve done that MANY times!

Definitely recommended.