Swoon gelato opens on Oxford High Street

HERE’S some news to please ice cream fans: authentic Italian gelateria Swoon has just opened a new store in Oxford.

With two successful sites already in Bristol and Bath, the new High Street branch will serve a selection of sweet gelatos and sorbets, among other treats.

Swoon is the brainchild of Bruno Forte and Pat Powell, the latest generation in a family of gelato makers going back 120 years.

Mr Forte graduated from Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy, which specialises in teaching the art of gelato making.

He said: “Oxford is the perfect location to open our third gelateria.

"Gelato is enjoyed all year-round in Italy and is a much-loved part of modern café culture and we want to bring this same concept to Oxford.

"Our in-store gelato lab is a glass-walled area meaning that customers can watch our gelato being made.”

Gelato typically has 50 per cent less fat than traditional ice cream, making a slightly guilt-free alternative.

The creamy texture comes from the mixing process, where the gelato is slowly churned rather than rapidly beaten.

The method has proven popular and Swoon was awarded Great Taste Awards in both 2017 and 2018, as well as being highly commended at the Delicious magazine produce awards.

Swoon says it prides itself on using some of the best ingredients to create high-quality produce. The gelato is churned fresh on site every day using Somerset milk.

Pistachios are sourced from Bronte, a small Sicilian village on the slopes of Mount Etna, and the hazelnuts are from Piedmont, where the nuts are famous for being particularly sweet.

Mr Forte went on: "Our gelato chefs create everything from scratch, using the best ingredients and taking their time to make sure the end product is one that can be enjoyed."

The new Oxford branch will serve 10 'core' flavours, including pistachio, chocolate brownie and Amarena cherry cheesecake.

The chocolate gelato is made from the finest 85 per cent extra-bitter chocolate, which is then churned with water and natural sugars to produce a creamy taste.

For those wanting an ‘intense wake-up call of coffee flavour’, the coffee gelato is made from real Neapolitan coffee.

New flavours are added each month depending on seasonal produce and have included elderflower and peach.

Swoon also offers vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free sorbets and gelato.