Going strong since 2005, Gelateria Danieli is best-known for having made the gelato for the Queen’s eightieth. And it’s still superb. You’ll find two dozen flavours, from the classic (creamy chocolate, bean-flecked vanilla) to the curious (Ferrero Rocher, Sicilian cactus fruit). But whatever you do, get the cherry bakewell flavour. Eating a scoop of it is like being in that scene in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’: you know, the one where Violet Beauregarde chews the three-course roast dinner gum and can taste each individual component. First you get the flavour of buttery pastry, then you happen upon chewy cherries, finally, you’re struck with the scent and crunch of almonds. Don’t panic though: no one turns into a blueberry at the end.
If you want to eat in, there are a sprinkling of fairly functional seats inside, though it’s the bistro tables in the alley outside that you really want. Otherwise, head a few doors down to sister venue Danieli on the Green: it’s technically a chocolate shop but serves almost as much gelato. Or embrace nature and cross the road to leafy Richmond Green, which offers sunshine, benches and the shade of ancient Tudor trees.