The renowned Kingston family business, Kingstonian Ice Cream, has scooped two major awards at the 2023 National Ice Cream Competition.

Running annually since 1953 by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the 'Oscars' of UK ice cream competitions is judged blind by experts from across the ice cream industry, with titles awarded in 13 categories from best newcomer and flavour to chef's class and 'open' ice cream, awarded for those showcasing innovation.

Kingstonian Ice Cream, which operates a well-known ice cream van at the Kingston Gate of Richmond Park, shone at this year's competition picking up two gold awards for its Vanilla flavour, receiving 'Best of Vanilla' and 'Dairy Ice Cream Class'.

Thrilled Kingstonian Ice Cream owner, Enrico Mastrocola said: "It was a big surprise. I couldn't believe it. I have never won the best overall vanilla before. I felt so proud that the professionals in the industry have recognised my ice cream as one of the best in the country."

The family-run business was founded by Enrico's great grandfather, Antonio Mastrocola, in 1913. Stationed outside Richmond Park's Kingston Gate on Sunday afternoons from March through till October, Kingstonian Ice Cream also operates outside Coombe Girls School in New Malden on weekdays.

Antonio and his ice cream van boast an array of delicious flavours as well as its award-winning vanilla, including coconut, baklava, butterscotch, nutella, salted caramel, mint and strawberry, elderberry and lime sorbet.

Residents were quick to sing Kingstonian Ice Cream's praises with one saying: "Well done Enrico and family, very well deserved. Nothing comes close to your fabulous ice cream and never has in my opinion!"

Another said: "Literally a staple of my childhood! Now I live on rosebery road my kids get to experience the same! Whenever they hear that ice cream music I have to franticly search for change! Fruit of the woods is my personal favourite but my boys love bubblegum and strawberry."

Katy Alston, ICA President added: "After a few decidedly difficult years for our industry, ice cream businesses are bouncing back with gusto. Kingstonian Ice Cream is proof of that with the quality of the product that won these prestigious awards. Big congratulations to Enrico and his team and we wish them a super successful summer season."

To find out more on Kingstonian Ice Cream, including its opening hours and flavours, visit the company's Facebook page and website.