Martin Crolla with his White Chocolate and Honey Gelato with a Raspberry Variegato and Pistachio Crema which is named after his father, Lorenzo

N-ice work from Dumfries and Galloway's Gelato star

by · Daily Record

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

A Lochmaben cafe has scooped a runners-up prize in the Manchester heat of the World Gelato Masters Festival.

Martin Crolla is the fourth generation of the family in Dumfries and Galloway to make ice cream and runs the popular A Crolla & Sons in Castle Street on a day-to-day basis with his cousin Sean, and mum Roslyn, and said he dedicated his competition entry to his mentor and father, Lorenzo, who is also a partner in the business.

After congratulating the winner, Martin said: “I came up against some of the UK’s best gelato chefs who were unbelievably talented.

“In the words of the organisers it was ‘one of the most competitive heats ever’.

“ I was awarded a runners up prize of which I am incredibly proud of.

“I named my creation, Lorenzo. I dedicated it to my father, who I owe everything to and for teaching me the art of artisan gelato.

“The flavour was a White Chocolate and Honey Gelato with a Raspberry Variegato and Pistachio Crema.

“I am proud to have represented my family, my Gelateria and my town.

“I would like to thank everyone, and the judges, for a truly unforgettable day and a dream come true to be part of.”

The business was established in 1915 by his great grandfather, Jeremiah, and for more than 100 years the cafe made only one flavour – vanilla.

However, in 2019 they changed to 12 flavours then, after updating machinery and rebranding, expanded to 20.

His family left Italy at the time of the Unification in the late 1800s – as did many Italian families who migrated to the United Kingdom and America searching for a better life – and following spells in the Central Belt, Langholm and even over the border in Carlisle, they eventually laid down their roots in Lochmaben.

Last year, competing in the Scottish Italian Awards for the first time, they won Best Family-Run Business as well as receiving two highly recommended awards for Best Team and Best Gelateria/Dessert Cafe.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.