Tarr’s Ice Cream has been around for 105 years
Tarr’s Ice Cream Ltd in Bristol(Image: Tarr’s)
A local ice cream makers have the best vanilla ice cream in the nation, after quite literally scooping victory at the 2025 Ice Cream Alliance awards.
Tarr’s Ice Cream Ltd, which is based in Brislington, was crowned with the top honour in the vanilla category on March 5 – it’s one of the most anticipated categories of the awards, with the flavour being a timeless classic that many an industry giant and emerging artisan struggle to perfect.
As one of the South West’s leading ice cream manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, Tarr’s Ice Cream Ltd has been a family-run business for 105 years.
Producing premium-quality ice cream from their Bristol-based premises for four generations, their legacy is deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.
The story of Tarr’s Ice Cream Ltd dates back to 1920, when Alfred Tarr made his first attempts at ice cream making from a small general store in St Philip’s Marsh, Bristol.
Today, the business remains in the capable hands of Alfred’s grandson, continuing its commitment to excellence and innovation.
On site there is a retail shop which is open to the general public, a trade counter that local retail businesses can visit to buy stock, and the family also deliver far and wide to trade customers using their own delivery vehicles.
With over 80 years of history, the Ice Cream Alliance’s awards ceremony event is one of the highlights of the year, known for its rigorous judging process and the recognition of the highest standards and innovations in the ice cream sector.
Tarr’s Ice Cream Ltd in Bristol(Image: Tarr’s)
Alfred’s grandson, Mike, spoke to BristolLive about what makes this beloved family business so special, and what the future holds.
He said: “We only use the best ingredients and because we have been running for 105 years, four generations of a family business, we take care and are extremely proud of our ice cream.
“There are six family members and one non-family employee that work in the factory on production and delivery driving, as well as a team of retail shop staff who aren’t family members. We also employ seasonal staff during the summer months.
“I’m the third generation, and very proud of the quality ice cream that we produce.
“I think my grandfather, Alfred, who started the business in 1920 would also be proud. My son and daughter are the fourth generation to work in the business, so who knows what the future holds!”
This award is not the first for the Bristol family’s business, however.
Mike went on to say that the business has been judged to boast the best ice cream in the UK some 18 times, while also coming second or third on many occasions.
There is also a retailer competition, Mike says, which has been won eight times by Tarr’s customers, using the brand’s liquid mix for whippy ice cream.
On winning this most recent award, the family as a whole said: “We are very proud and pleased to have been awarded 1st place in the Ice Cream – Vanilla category in this year’s National Ice Cream Competition held last month in Birmingham.
The trophy that the Tarr’s family run ice cream shop in Bristol won at the the Ice Cream Alliance’s National awards ceremony 2025(Image: Tarr’s)
“Since winning this award for the first time in 1978, we have won first place in this and other categories many times.“
Despite its success, it has not avoided some of the issues that have faced many a business in the country over recent years.
Mike went on to say: “Lockdown was a big hurdle to overcome.
“The rising cost of energy, 75 per cent in recent years, packaging, ingredients and staff wages have all had a big impact on the business.
“We also have the large national ice cream companies to compete against. Thankfully the quality of our products and reasonable prices help us to hold our own.”
Finally, when it comes to Tarr’s staff’s favourite flavours, Mike says: “Most of the staff prefer our award-winning vanilla ice cream.
“My favourite flavours are dairy vanilla and salted caramel ripple.
“At Christmas our ice cream cakes and chocolate coated ice cream logs are extremely popular.”
The Ice Cream Alliance (ICA) is the UK’s only trade association described as being “dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the ice cream industry, a £1.4 billion sector”.
You can find Tarr’s ice cream shop at 2 Sandown Road, Brislington, BS4 3PN. They sell scoops, lollies and tubs of frozen dessert made with local produce.