Bristol's award-winning gelateria Swoon is set to open a brand new site in Wapping Wharf in time for the summer season. The family-run business will be the ice cream shop's sixth opening in less than ten years.
The Swoon family has over 120 years of experience in making artisan gelato, founded by Bruno Forte, his mother Louise, sister Pat, and wife Ana Maria. Bruno first started learning the art of gelato making at Bologna's Gelato University in 2014.
Swoon first launched at College Green in 2016 and quickly became known for its traditional Italian ingredients as well as for creating its own flavours. It has since expanded to Bath, Cardiff, Oxford and Selfridges in London, with Wapping Wharf next on the horizon.
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Speaking about the new venture, founder Bruno said: “From the moment we saw the plans for Wapping Wharf when it was initially being set up we knew we wanted to be part of it, and despite our growing brand, Bristol has always felt like home, so we jumped at the opportunity to join the community at Wapping Wharf!
“We are thrilled to be bringing Swoon and Swoon Soft to Wapping Wharf in 2023. We are looking forward to working and collaborating with the businesses around us to create some exciting new flavours in the near future!”
Swoon has won many awards over the last decade, including over 100 Great Taste stars and the Supreme Champion Award for its hazelnut flavour. It will be showcasing its latest product, Swoon Soft, which is a new soft serve offering, at Wapping Wharf after having successfully trialled two flavours at Pizzucci, Bosco Pizzeria's restaurant on Gloucester Road.
Bristol's Swoon will be a welcome addition to the Wapping Wharf family this summer since the departure of Oliver's ice cream in December. The owners decided to close their unit in Cargo 2 to enter semi-retirement but had hoped to continue making ice cream cakes to order. The website states it has suspended activities for the time being.
Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said: “Swoon has an incredible reputation around the city and beyond, and everyone we’ve spoken to has been over the moon to hear the news that they’re joining our community, so we can’t wait for them to open! Summer at Wapping Wharf is really something special, and best enjoyed with a gelato, so their arrival is perfect timing!”
Swoon will be coming to Cargo 2 in June with further announcements to come through Swoon's Instagram page. It's the neighbourhood's second announcement in less than a week with Hue Hairdressing opening in the shipping container development on Tuesday (May 23).
Bristol Beer Factory is also set to open a new venue in the former Wild Beer site.
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