We all scream for ice-cream at Riley

Riley ice-cream parlour on Crouch End Broadway has had a very popular couple of weeks since opening at the beginning of the month, despite the less-than summery weather. A steady stream of punters have popped in for delicious ice-cream handmade on the premises, and we can report that the Turkish Delight flavour is particularly good.

Taking over the site of Propspero's Books, which closed at Christmas, Riley offers a range of handmade ice creams in unusal flavours. Cups and cones start at £2, with larger tubs availlbe to take home and indulge in at leisure. The shop is managed by owner Will Riley, who aims to bring Soho-style quality ice-cream and fresh-brewed coffees and teas to Crouch End.

Despite praise for the quality of the product, however, not all local people are enamoured of the Broadway's newest business. Spiazzo has objected to the change of use (from A1 retail to A3 restaurant) on the basis that fewer retail shops in the Broadway area has already led to a steady decline in the number of shoppers. The restaurant fears that another food establishment will contribute to further decline in passing trade.

The Hornsey Conservation Area Advisory Committee have also objected to a change of use, stating that there is an excess of fodd and drik establishments in the area already and that the consultation was made without drawings of changes to be made to the shopfront, potentially impacting on the character of the conservation area.

Although praise for the ice-cream itself is unanimous, some shoppers are unsure about the current decor with its unfinished feel. The bare wooden tables and spare lighting came in for particular criticism.

Prospero's Books had stood in the Broadway for over a decade, closing at the end of last year for reasons including financial viability. Two bookshops and a coffee shop entered into negotiations for the lease, which was awarded to Mr Riley earlier this year.

Have you sampled Riley's ice-cream yet? Is another food establishment a problem for Crouch End, or is this sufficiently different to add variety to the Broadway and promote footfall in the area? Will the summer weather ever return to Highgate? Let us know below!

Image: by jessicafm