Meet Annie from Baboo Gelato

We chat with Annie Hanbury (owner of Baboo Gelato) to find out more about our favourite Gelato, handmade in Bridport...

Explain the story behind Baboo Gelato…

Baboo came about almost by accident. In our first summer in Dorset, we were overwhelmed by the amazing crops that exploded out of our orchard and garden. We had to strim our way through a forest of Autumn raspberry canes. How could we use this fruit? I hit upon the idea of Ice Cream, and after some research, found that the best ice cream in the world comes from Bologna. So I set off to Italy, where I trained to become a professional gelatiere. Combining my new skills, our delicious fruit and the organic milk from a nearby farm, I believed we could make something special.

We wanted Baboo Gelato to be part of the community, so we took over kiosks in West Bay and Lyme Regis, where we could sell direct to Customers, getting instant feedback, ideas and building a wonderfully loyal following. From these early roots we have won more than 100 restaurant and pub customers, all the way from Winchester to Bristol, and we are adding more every week.  

We’ve also been lucky enough to win a lot of prestigious awards, including being one of three finalists in each of the last three years with Taste of the West, winning it in 2016, and a clutch of Great Taste stars from the Guild of Fine Food.

What makes Baboo Gelato special?

Great taste. We hand make ice cream in small batches from scratch. We do not use flavour pastes, but use seasonal ingredients, when they are at their very best. For instance we get our strawberries from Forde Abbey in June, not from Holland in December. 
 
Fun. When you come to our kiosks, we want you to have a special experience. We have plenty of compostable spoons so that you can try all of our flavours before deciding which to choose. We have also got amazing milkshakes, and the best hand roasted coffee around.

Describe a perfect weekend in Dorset?

Bridport Market on Saturday morning: we recommend Mercato Italiano for Gorgonzola, the WI for lemon drizzle cake, Manor Farm for sausages, Washingpool for fruit & veg, and Spice & Rice for a great Devon curry, and of course a rummage through the antiques and bric-a-brac of South Street and St Michaels Trading estate. Head down to West Bay for a smoked haddock chowder at Rachel’s, and walk along the beach. Treat yourself to a Baboo ice cream: you must be exhausted, you deserve it! We’ve even got a treat for your pooch: Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is a frozen coconut yoghurt specially formulated for dogs. 

On Sunday take advantage of one of the many ancient footpaths that crisscross this beautiful countryside. Try to end up in a pub like the Three Horseshoes at Burton Bradstock, where you’re sure to have a great meal. On a dark and stormy day, there is something unmistakably romantic about the Cobb in Lyme Regis, with its crashing waves. Keep safe. Grilled Scallops from Herbies and more Ice Cream from Baboo can also be recommended.

Where can customers find your products?

We have kiosks in West Bay by the George pub, and on Marine Parade in Lyme Regis. You can also buy our ice cream in tubs from farmshops, such as Millers, Felicity’s, Washingpool and North Perrot Fruit Farm. The full list of stockists is on our website. You can also find us in many West Country pubs and restaurants. 

List your top five things about Dorset…

Food and music festivals all summer long, Bridport, Jurassic Coast walks, Local artisanal food and The People.

And finally, what is your best-kept Dorset secret (supposing you’re willing to share)?

Cream tea at Down House Farm cafe after a clifftop walk.

Photo Credits: Richard Budd