Swoon Gelato - Bristol Food Review
Posted on: 2016-04-25
Our rating:
At first taste, I was instantly transported to Italy; the thick, creamy, melt in your mouth sensation reminded me of my first trip to Rome as a little girl.
Swoon serves simply the best gelato in the whole of Bristol. Inspired by their grandfather, the two managers, brother and sister Bruno and Pat, certainly have gelato in their blood. Bruno met Louisa while studying at the Carpigiani Gelato University near Bologna, who later became the head chef at Swoon.
As you walk in, to the left you’ll find the sparkly clean Gelato lab. Almost everything sold in swoon is indeed made on the premises including the sorbetto, Torta gelato, Monoporzione, Swoon on a stick, sauces and much more. Then to the right is the counter where the abundance of tasty treats are stored. Being as popular as Swoon is, I was at first curious to see whether it would have a big enough seating area for the bountiful amount of customers who were queuing out of the doors. Despite the queue, I found that inside was not at all overcrowded because of the fast service and much of the custom was take away clientele who were unable to resist a delicious pastry or gelato alongside a coffee. Luckily, there’s also an outside area too, so you’re able to enjoy the sunshine or even sit and grab a bite or a coffee if you’ve been walking the dog!
Decorated with stylish colours and geometric shapes, Swoon is one of the most fashionable, modern places in Bristol. With acoustic music playing softly in the background, it’s the perfect place not only for children, families and friends, but for a little romance as well (and if you’re not falling for him/her, don’t worry - you’ll certainly fall in love with the gelato). As well as being aesthetically pleasing, Swoon is by far the most polite and friendly gelato restaurant I have ever experienced. All of the staff had smiles plastered over their faces and it was immediately apparent that these were people who really had a passion for gelato. There was certainly a warmth, not only from the atmosphere but the staff too.
I was completely amazed by the prices. With such generous portions I was pleased to find that it was relatively inexpensive. As soon as I put the creamy spoonful of delight into my mouth I could immediately taste the quality, adding to my delight. A child’s portion of gelato or sorbetto costs as little as £1.75, one flavour in a pot or a cone was £2.75, two flavours for £3.75, three for £4.75, really good value I think as this place makes it feel like you are experiencing a special treat.
It was quickly apparent that this was no normal ice cream, it was gelato. The beauty of gelato is that it’s churned a lot more slowly than ice cream, meaning it contains less air, giving it a thicker, softer and creamier taste. Gelato typically contains 50% less fat than traditional ice cream (meaning you can eat twice as much), yet is a lot nicer, less icy and has a silkier texture. Not only is the gelato in fact healthier for you, (it is claimed), but it is also healthier for the environment also, considering the majority of ingredients used are locally sourced e.g. dairy from Somerset Dairies.
With the abundance of flavours of course it’s a hard decision, made easier by the generosity of the staff who are quick to offer you samples before you buy. I ordered a half pistachio and half bacio (chocolate and hazelnut) gelato in a pot and my friend had salted caramel and hazelnut gelato in a pot, which were £7.50 for the two. At first taste, I was instantly transported to Italy; the thick, creamy, melt in your mouth sensation reminded me of my first trip to Rome as a little girl. My favourite thing was the intensity of each flavour of gelato, with no additives or added flavours, each type of gelato is as authentic as possible and certainly left us craving more! As well as having a wide array of desserts on offer, Swoon also serves a list of drinks, both alcoholic and soft.
Swoon has the ability to cater for all, as their sorbetto doesn’t contain any milk or dairy products meaning that vegans are also able to share the sweet melt in your mouth delight swoon offers. Swoon is forever adapting and changing, putting an Italian twist on English classics such as rhubarb and custard flavoured gelato as well as hot cross bun flavoured gelato, offering a different experience each time you visit. Recently licenced for the sale of alcohol, which not only means they’re able to serve alcohol, but that they’re now able to create even more gelato and sorbetto flavours – such as the mojito; an incredibly popular option Swoon now has available.
Swoon is certainly very true to its name, and there is a clear theme of that throughout all of the design aspects too. Look closer, with personalised little phrases written subtly on the coffee cups, gelato pots and even take away carrier bags, Swoon is able to add to the whole experience of intense adoration felt in the restaurant. Two of my personal favourite phrases would have to be:
The large coffee cup had “Tall, dark and handsome.” written on the side and the carrier bags had “I got carried away on College Green” written on them.
5/5 - Swoon is honestly and truly, a gelato to fall in love with
Reviewed by Daisy Morris for 365Bristol.com - The leading events and entertainment website in the city
For further info on Swoon visit www.swoononaspoon.co.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
