Oxfordshire gelato shop branching out into city centre

Alfonso Gelateria, which started 10 years ago in a food truck, has submitted plans to open a branch in Little Clarendon Street, Oxford.

The new location at number 20, formerly Steamhouse bagel bar, and next to Gail’s bakery, will feature both a fascia sign and a hanging sign, neither of which will be illuminated.

The planning application is awaiting a decision.

Alfonso Gelateria, known for its wide range of gelato and sorbet flavours, was founded by Lewis Ratto, who developed his passion for gelato in Rome before moving to the UK in 2010.

Mr Ratto has said that his gelato offers more than just a frozen treat.

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Lewis Ratto and staff at Alfonso Gelateria in Witney (Image: Ed Nix)

The company already has locations in Witney, Woodstock, and a food truck in Summertown, as well as shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, and Cirencester.

The company began in an Ape vintage food truck, which was custom-made in a small town 2 miles from Naples.

Mr Ratto began experimenting with ice cream recipes after finishing his degree in chemistry in 2015, eventually leading to the establishment of Alfonso Gelateria.

The shop offers a wide variety of flavours, including vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, hazelnut, pistachio, mint, stracciatella, lemon cheesecake, dark chocolate, banoffee, coffee, tiramisu, Nutella, and crema della nonna.

Sorbets include strawberry, mango, raspberry, blueberry and lemon, lemon and basil, lemon and mint, passion fruit, strawberry and balsamic, orange and clementine, coconut and pineapple, ginger and honey, blackberry, and kombucha.