Birmingham is booming! As one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, visitor numbers are soaring year-on-year. And it’s not just for business. From the roar of the crowd at a cricket or football match to the buzz of a concert or a relaxing stroll through Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham is a leading destination for entertainment and relaxation. Where there are people, there’s a demand for refreshments, and on a glorious summer’s day, what’s better than an ice-cold treat?
The city centre itself is packed with options, from traditional ice cream parlours to specialty gelato and frozen yogurt establishments. But for a truly nostalgic, classic British experience, nothing beats the unmistakable chimes of the ice cream van.
The History of the Chime
Did you know the classic British ice cream van tradition has its roots right here in Birmingham? The well-known Mr Whippy business was founded in the city by Dominic Facchino in 1958. He, and like-minded entrepreneurs, introduced the custom of playing distinctive jingles or chimes to announce their arrival to eagerly awaiting customers.
Today, the ‘ice cream van soundtrack’ is more diverse than ever! Most of the country’s chimes are made by Micro Miniatures in Staffordshire, who have been offering technologically advanced (mostly digital) chimes for over 25 years. We’ve moved far beyond the classic O Sole Mio. Keep your ears open for everything from Jerusalem and Cherry Ripe to The Stripper and Nessun Dorma. The competition for the most memorable jingle is fiercer than ever!
The Ice Cream Fleet
It’s always a delight to see the variety of vehicles serving up treats across the West Midlands. While the modern Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter remains the workhorse of the industry, many vendors are embracing a retro aesthetic.
We’re now seeing a wonderful selection of vintage vans adding character to the streets, including:
- Citroen H vans
- Volkswagen (VW) converted campers
- Commer vans
- Bedford CF & HA vans
The charm extends to smaller-scale options too, such as ice cream tricycles and trailers, perfect for navigating parks or tight city streets.
What’s the Scoop? The Nation’s Favourite Treats
So, the chimes have worked their magic. You’re at the van, money in hand. What’s it going to be? a classic ice cream or a lolly?
Lollies: A recent study suggests that a whopping 28% of lolly lovers prefer the Magnum, with its closest competitor, the Fab, trailing at 8%.
Ice Cream: For the cone and cup aficionados, Vanilla remains the undisputed champion, followed by Chocolate, Strawberry, and Mint Choc Chip.
Hire a Van for Your Party!
Ice cream vans aren’t just for the park anymore! It’s increasingly popular to hire a van for a private event or function, from proms to weddings. Many Birmingham-based ice cream businesses supply both vintage and modern vans across the city and surrounding areas, offering you a bespoke choice of flavours and treats for your guests.
Is an Ice Cream Van Your Next Business Venture?
If you’re a business with a similar trading style, or you’re an entrepreneur looking to set up a new venture—be it a mobile ice cream van or a fixed parlour, you’ll need the right protection.
Looking for an insurance quote?
One of our team of ice cream insurance experts will be happy to assist you in finding the policy that perfectly suits your business needs.
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