Suffolk: Gelato & Sorbetto ice cream parlour opens in Bungay

The family-run shop on the Bungay Buttercross is called Gelato & Sorbetto and owners Ian and Carla Smith are "delighted" to open after a busy fortnight's preparation.

Mr Smith, 51, said: "We have worked so hard to turn the place around in time and bring our initial opening date forward in time for the coronation weekend.

"It has been emotional but we are really delighted to be ready, the whole family have pulled together to transform the place.

"It is a really exciting opportunity. When we were told that the lease for the shop was available, my wife and I snapped at the chance.

"Bungay hasn't got anywhere like this, neighbouring towns have ice cream and dessert shops but not Bungay."

Carla and Ian Smith, back centre, and their family who have opened Gelato and Sorbetto ice cream shop in Bungay. From left the children are, Bella-Rose Newton, three; Ethan Newton, six; Sophia Jones, seven; and Layla-May Jones, six. From left back, Lisa Usher; Ian and Carla Smith; Jarrod Long-Smith; and Danielle Jones (Image: Denise Bradley)

This is not their first venture into business together having previously ran a pub in Carlton Colville for a short while.

Mrs Smith explained that the inspiration to open an ice cream and dessert parlour came when the couple lived in Germany while Mr Smith served in the military.

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The shop has an array of yummy ice creams with eight vegan flavours (Image: Denise Bradley)

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She said: "The idea came while we were living in Germany, when Ian was off we used to enjoy spending time exploring the towns.

"This was when we experienced some amazing ice cream parlours which worked so well.

"There is very little for younger people in the town so we are happy to offer a place where people can come for a treat."

Exterior shot of Gelato & Sorbetto situated on the corner of the Buttercross in Bungay (Image: Denise Bradley)

The shop is the former Norwich and Peterborough Building Society on the corner of the Buttercross.

There is an array of ice cream flavours on offer, including eight vegan flavours, as well as serving milkshakes, locally baked cakes and buns and hot and cold drinks.

Cakes, buns and brownies as well as many other treats are on offer (Image: Denise Bradley)

Taken from beneath the historic Buttercross (Image: Denise Bradley)

There are so many flavours to choose from (Image: Denise Bradley)