We've searched far and wide across the region to deliver what we believe is the best ice cream you can find.
With Liverpool heating up and the glorious summer weather bringing out the best in all of us, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some ice-cold sweet treats.
Whether you prefer the classics like vanilla and chocolate, or an adventurous eater opting for flavour-packed infusions, there's no shortage of venues and delicious offerings all over Merseyside.
READ MORE: Places to go strawberry picking across Merseyside
We've compiled a list of nine of the best places to go for an ice cream, from luxurious dessert parlours to homemade gelato shops. So whether you love vanilla, chocolate or raspberry ripple - you're bound to find a satisfying scoop at one of these stores.
1. Paolo & Donato's Italian Deli, Williamson Square
For an authentic taste of Italy, visit Paolo and Donato's in Liverpool city centre for their homemade gelato.
Founded over 10 years ago by brothers Paolo and Donato, the deli also offers vegan gelato. The mountains of ice cream in the window will be enough to entice you through the door. Purchase an ice cream lollipop, three flavours or a whole 1kg tub depending on your appetite!
Flavours include blueberry, lime cheesecake and chocolate.
2. The Reader Ice Cream Parlour, Calderstones Park
The Reader Ice Cream Parlour in Calderstones Park is open all year round and is perfect for family and friends wanting to chill out together. A wide range of delicious flavours are available to choose from, all supplied by Cheshire Farm Ice Cream.
All of the ice cream parlour's profits are gifted back to The Reader charity. The Reader Ice Cream Parlour is open from 8.30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
3. Ice Cream Shop, West Kirby
John Hughes, 58, is the proud owner of the Ice Cream Shop in West Kirby. Located on Grange Road, the store may seem like any other, but after only a brief few moments inside you'll soon discover it's anything from normal.
Ice cream lovers can expect all of the classic big hitters from vanilla and chocolate to mint and strawberry. For those with more experimental tastebuds, Ice Cream Shop also offers everything from West-Indian mango to Cornish cream tea, and even bacon and maple syrup.
4. Esposito's, Huyton
The family-run venue offers customers homemade cakes, treats, artisan sandwiches and handmade gelato every day of the week. Not only is all of the food made fresh on-site, Esposito's also boasts authentic Italian coffee to wash everything down.
This new venue in Court Hey Park, Huyton is the deli's fourth venue, with the initial three already up and running in Mill Dam Park, Kirkby, Victoria Park, Widnes, and Runcorn Hill Park.
The deli features indoor seating with an outdoor courtyard with picnic benches. Dogs are welcome and help build upon Esposito's inclusive community feel.
5. Gelato Lark Lane, Aigburth
Gelato offers a selection of award winning ice creams, sorbets and coffee all made fresh daily. The store also has a sister parlour on Telegraph Road in Heswall.
The store also serves up bubble waffles and milkshakes in a tasty array of flavours. The Lark Lane store is open from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
6. Kaspa's, Crosshall Street
Those looking to indulge in a luxurious dessert can look no further than Kaspa's. The menu includes an impressive selection of sundaes with flavours ranging from bubblegum to chocolate fudge.
The dessert shop also serves up waffles, crepes, cakes and puddings, along with a range of milkshakes and smoothies.
7. Caffe Cream
With stores in New Brighton, Birkenhead Park, Woodside Ferry Village and Birkenhead Precinct, Caffe Cream boasts homemade ice cream and locally sourced food.
The award-winning ice cream is made in Caffe Cream's ice cream factory on the Wirral, using traditional Italian production methods and milk and cream from local farms.
8. Flavours Ice Cream, Southport
Flavours Ice Cream on Nevill Street serves speciality coffees, tea, cakes and up to 30 artisan flavours of homemade real dairy ice cream made with fresh produce from local farms.
A range of other delicious desserts are available too, including sundaes, donuts and waffles.
9. The Midnight Delivery, Smithdown Road and Baltic Market
The Midnight Delivery can be found at the Baltic Market, as well as in a shop on Smithdown Road, which offers home delivery.
The company started out in a family home and serves up creative desserts to satisfy the taste buds. If you are craving some decadent ice cream, The Midnight Delivery's indulgent range of sundaes are an ideal choice. Choose from flavour options such as Kinder, Daim and strawberry and Nutella.
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