It’ a sad day today as we find out that the North London institution, Marine Ices has been sold to an Italian restaurant chains.

Marine Ices, looking like something out of the 50s has been family-run in Chalk Farm for four generations, set up in 1931 by Gaetano Mansi.

Marine Ices has been quiet of late though without a great walk in trade and many regulars growing up and going elsewhere. The place serves authentic Italian dishes (pizza, pasta, antipasti), but it was the ice creams and sorbets that got everyone dribbling. They are made on site using fresh ingredients, another example of a place that had the nouse before all these pop ups to do things well. The best flavours included tiramisu, Ferrero Rocher, Piedmont Hazlenut and Jamaican Rum ‘n’ Raisin.

We would suggest you get down there quick if you have never been to sample som while you have the chance.

Hopefully the new owners won’t change too much but there is no telling right now, we’ll keep an eye and report back soon.