The small family owned business has made a huge name for itself
Churn & Chill ice cream shop in Hoylake. Photo by Colin Lane(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
A tiny little ice cream shop that’s tucked away behind a row of houses in a Wirral seaside town is the best in the region according to a prestigious industry award. Churn and Chill is located on Grove Road in Hoylake, nestled in an unassuming location opposite Grove Park, just down the road from The Plasterers Arms pub.
The small shop offers a range of quirky gelato flavours that are all hand crafted by the family who run the business, as well as coffees using Heartland Coffee Roasters beans. Opened in on June 27, 2021, the ice cream shop has become a destination in its own right, despite its modest frontage.
Churn and Chill was recognised by the Great Taste Awards 2025, which are announced annually by the Guild of Fine Food. The awards are a longest standing and respected food accreditation scheme which champion artisan and speciality food and drink producers.
Each year the awards highlight the best food and drink from across the UK, with a panel of 500 industry experts poring over each and every product that’s considered as part of the judging process.
The judges consider flavour first and foremost, followed by appearance, aroma, texture and mouthfeel before it is determined whether the product warrants one of the famous black and gold seals of approval.
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Churn and Chill was the only Merseyside food vendor to be listed on the 2025 awards, with an impressive five entries for some of their creative and daring flavours.
The family owned ice cream parlour was recognised for its banana gelato, lime and fresh mint sorbetto, cereal milk gelato, lavender and blueberry gelato and rosemary brown butter pecan gelato.
Every gelato served at Churn and Chill is “made from scratch” using a range of unique recipes. The shop is open from 12pm until 6pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays each week, with an army of loyal customers who call in to try out their latest flavours.
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A handwritten chalk board outside the shop lists the latest flavours, with customers queuing up to try the latest creations before they sell out.
Sharing the news of their Great Taste recognition on social media, the staff at Churn and Chill said: “We’re so happy to share that all five of the flavours we entered for blind judging have received stars in this year’s Great Taste Awards!
“This year we focused on a mix of bold, infusion-based flavours: gently steeped fresh herbs and flowers, toasted and infused cereal, handmade ripples, and caramelised nuts.
“Everything made from scratch with real ingredients and traditional methods. No mixes, no shortcuts.
“We’re really grateful for the thoughtful feedback from the judges. It helps us keep learning and improving, which is a big part of why we love what we do.
“And to our customers, thank you for always being curious, open to new flavours and excited to try what we create. Your trust and support means everything. Chris and Phoebe x”
Also recognised in the Great Taste Awards were Adams and Russell Coffee Roasters, Liverpool Coffee Roasters and Neighbourhood Coffee. Mama Soods, which is based in St Helens, was also recognised for their amazing range of chutneys.