London’s best Affogato
The supreme perky blinder, an affogato is a cross between a dessert and a coffee. The word means “drowned” in Italian, so the ice cream should be soaked in plenty of strong espresso. But you don’t need to go to Italy to have one — here’s where to try London’s best.
Ruby Violet
A generous scoop of proper vanilla ice cream — made in north London — with a bracing shot of coffee.
Info: £3.75, King’s Cross, N1, and Tufnell Park, NW5, rubyviolet.co.uk
The London Particular
This restaurant near New Cross station is a neighbourhood favourite. Commuters stop off on the way home just for the affogato, made with coffee from H R Higgins in Mayfair.
Info: £3, 399 New Cross Road, SE14, thelondonparticular.co.uk
Lardo
An Italian restaurant known for its meaty pizzas, but pace yourself because it also does a good line in homemade ice cream, drenched in caffeine.
Info: £4, 205 Richmond Road, E8, lardo.co.uk
Timberyard
A decadent take on the drink/dessert hybrid. Fruity espresso is mixed with ice cream and a sprinkle of broken caramelised biscuits for texture.
Info: £4.50, 7 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2, timberyardlondon.com
Must-try ice creams - in pictures
Rococo
Traditionally affogato should be coffee-based but rules are for breaking, as this hot chocolate and ice cream combo proves. Best drunk in the chocolate shop’s Moorish-style courtyard garden cafe.
Info: £3.50, 5 Motcomb Street, SW1, rococochocolates.com
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