Business Details
Vintage Ice Cream Van Serving Premium Gelato
Elsie's Ices is a vintage ice cream van business based in Bellingdon, Buckinghamshire, specialising in premium gelato for events. Our iconic 1950s-style van, Elsie, is operated by owner Jo, who brings nostalgic charm through period attire and a commitment to quality frozen treats. We serve six core gelato flavours, including gluten-free and vegan options, with flexibility to accommodate custom flavour requests for events. Elsie's unique presence enhances weddings, parties, charity events, and corporate functions across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.Our seasonal operation from March to October ensures optimal safety and service quality, with clear limitations on evening bookings and travel distance. We prioritise customer satisfaction through transparent pricing, dietary inclusivity, and a distinctive visual experience that creates lasting memories.
Services
Wedding Catering
Party Ice Cream
Charity Events
Corporate Functions
Gelato Service
Vintage Van Hire
Gluten-Free Options
Vegan Gelato
Local Deliveries
Photo Opportunities
Highlights and features
- Unique 1950s-themed ice cream van creates memorable photo opportunities
- Six premium gelato flavours including gluten-free and vegan options
- Experienced in event logistics with clear seasonal and safety parameters
- Flexible pricing models for private and charity events
- Owner-operated service maintaining traditional presentation standards
Services
Wedding Catering
Elsie's Ices provides vintage-themed gelato service for weddings and civil partnerships. Our two-hour package includes 120 servings within 15 miles of Bellingdon for 100 attendance fee plus 3.50 per serving. The van's nostalgic appearance complements wedding photography while offering gluten-free and vegan options. We operate from March to October with last departure at 7pm during summer months.
Party Ice Cream
We cater to private parties with flexible pricing based on guest numbers and duration. A 20-guest 'pop by' costs 45 plus 3.50 per person for 20-30 minutes service. Larger events charge 30-50 hourly plus per-serving fees. The vintage van creates memorable experiences for birthday parties and family celebrations with six standard gelato flavours and customisation options available with notice.
Charity Events
Elsie's Ices supports charitable causes by waiving attendance fees at qualifying events. We operate on a profit-sharing basis where surplus proceeds get donated to the organising charity. Service parameters include distance limitations (25-mile radius) and seasonal operation from March to October. Our distinctive van attracts attention while providing refreshments for fundraising activities.
Corporate Functions
We provide premium gelato service for corporate events at 30-50 hourly rates plus 3.50 per serving. Additional mileage charges apply beyond 15 miles from Bellingdon. The vintage van creates engaging photo opportunities while offering dietary-inclusive options. Our service operates with professional reliability for product launches, team-building events, and company celebrations within our seasonal timeframe.
Gelato Service
Our premium gelato comes in six standard flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Mint Chocolate, Strawberry, Salted Caramel Crunch and Mango Sorbet. Except Chocolate Fudge Brownie, all are gluten-free and egg-free, with Mango Sorbet suitable for vegans. We offer flavour substitutions for events with 25 days' notice and a 25 additional charge, maintaining quality standards across all servings.
People
Jo
Owner & Operator
Jo is the dedicated owner of Elsie's Ices, bringing 1950s charm to every event through authentic costuming and passionate service. With extensive event experience, she ensures operational safety while maintaining vintage presentation standards. Jo personally manages all bookings and service delivery.
Questions
What events can Elsie's Ices attend?
We cater to weddings, parties, fetes, fairs, corporate events and charity functions within 25 miles of Bellingdon.
Do you offer dietary options?
Yes, we provide gluten-free and vegan gelato options alongside our standard flavours.
What are your operating months?
Elsie operates seasonally from March to October due to safety considerations with her vintage equipment.
Can you accommodate custom flavour requests?
Yes, we can swap one standard flavour for a custom option with 25 days' notice and a £25 surcharge.
How are prices structured?
We offer event-specific pricing with options for attendance fees, per-person charges, and pre-paid servings.
What safety limitations exist?
Due to small headlights, we cannot operate at evening events requiring travel after dusk.
Reviews (7)
Kim Standen
Jul 24, 2020
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We had Elsie’s ice cream van come to our house for my daughters 8th birthday on Monday.. The ice cream was… delicious and went down a treat with all the children and the adults.. Thank you very much 🍦
Gracey Magdalene
Jul 12, 2020
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!!!!
Elsie surprised me for my 30th birthday and it made my day! Delicious gelato - I had white… choc fudge - and an amazing surprise for my family after seeing each other for the first time during lockdown. Thank you so much! 🍦
Elsie surprised me for my 30th birthday and it made my day! Delicious gelato - I had white… choc fudge - and an amazing surprise for my family after seeing each other for the first time during lockdown. Thank you so much! 🍦
Matt Griffiths
Jan 04, 2018
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Amazing addition to our winter wedding! We cannot recommend Elsie's Ices enough. After serving a great selection… of delicious ice creams Lil' Elsie transformed into an elegant sweet cart for our evening reception.
Kathryn Oliver
Oct 18, 2017
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The van was the perfect addition to our wedding day and everything we wanted it to be! Huge thanks to the girls for a brilliant service xx
Hayley Piggins
Jul 26, 2017
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Thank you sooo soooo much for an amazing experience at our wedding! Even if Lee had to come out and tell people… to go through to see you you both and the ice creams were amazing. Everybody loved it. Also thanks for letting us in to have photos too xx
Hazel Marshall
Jul 13, 2017
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Well, where to start? The service was outstanding and the ice-cream, WOW! From our wedding day the thing that is spoken about the most is the 'ice-cream truck'. I kid you not my husband had 5 ice-creams, he loved them that much! Hilary was an absolute pleasure to deal with and everything ran seamlessly. Thank you so much for making our wedding day extra special.
Emma Keir
Jun 25, 2017
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I can’t thank Elsie and the team enough for being such a brilliant part of our wedding day on June 3rd. We absolutely loved Elsie, and our guests did too! The ice cream was delicious, and Elsie looked gorgeous next to the barn. I’d recommend her to anyone – thank you so much
