You should make hay while the sun shines but it’s also a good idea to make as much Italian-style gelato and sorbet as possible.
That’s been the business plan for staff at iScream gelateria in the Covered Market during the recent heatwaves.
The record-breaking hot weather has brought hordes of tourists to their door, including students from language schools.
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“It’s been relentless - so many tourists have come back this summer,” said Jenny MacDonald, who runs iScream with her husband Graham.
“There are large groups of language school students back this year, thank goodness.”
All the gelato and sorbet is prepared fresh daily, so there have been some busy days during the hot weather.
Mrs MacDonald, who tied the knot with Graham in December after meeting about 15 years ago, added: “It’s been incredibly hot so there have been some mammoth days for us.
“Of course the good weather is a bonus but it does mean we have to try to keep up with demand.”
The gelateria was opened in the historic market seven years ago and has won numerous Good Food Awards.
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The family business also runs a second shop in the market called Wicked Chocolate.
“We have started to stock some items that don’t melt - more fudge, liquorice, and biscuits,” Mrs MacDonald added.
“My goodness it has been hard work in the heatwave but it’s good to see so many tourists back in Oxford.”
Staff are continuing the tradition of working with customers to produce fruit sorbets.
Customers bring in the fruit and then it is turned into delicious sorbet - greengage, plum or blackberry.
Mrs MacDonald added: “They bring in the fresh produce, we make the sorbet, and make sure they get a litre to take home with them - it seems to work well.
“We get a steady supply of fresh fruit - the latest is merry bell plum.”
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Mr MacDonald said: “The hot spell has been extremely welcome, especially given the past two summers with the effect of Covid.
“It is great to see so many tourists from overseas back in Oxford and especially the language students, all of whom are our lifeblood through the summer.
“We had our best summer in 2019 and 2022 will eclipse that by some margin.
“It has meant many early starts and late finishes but it is heart-warming to see so many new faces, along with our loyal core of customers.”
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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