Based on the family farm, Chilly Cow ice cream is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Clwydian Range. The farm is home to a herd of Brown Swiss cows which may not be the most common of breeds in Wales but with their brown coats and fluffy ears, produce delicious milk.
The milk is higher in butter fat than most cows; perfect as I found out later, for yummy ice cream. Every day the ice cream is collected and wheeled back to the new production unit which is only a stone’s throw away.
The added bonus is that whilst making the ice cream, the cows are happily grazing and can be seen through the windows with the hills as a stunning backdrop. The ice cream is available everywhere in north Wales and along the borders - it’s probably easier to list the places that don’t stock it.
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We had cycled it up to the farm to try out the ice cream for ourselves using the farm honesty box. The honesty box replaced the cow shed shop in May 2020 after the first wave of Covid 19 struck.
It was such a huge hit with the customers that it replaced the on-site shop completely. Chilly Cow produces dairy ice cream, non-dairy ice cream and ice cream for dogs.
With such a wide assortment of flavours it is tricky to decide which one to go for. We stared at the fridge in the makeshift shed for ages before making our mind up.
![The honesty box has change, and you can also pay with PayPal](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/article27831911.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_IMG_5548jpeg.jpg)
You can pick up 120ml for £2.50 or larger tubs from £5. Choices include classics such as choc chip mint, strawberry, raspberry and vanilla or more extravagant options such as club tropicana and coconut ice.
I did wonder how I was going to eat the ice cream as I couldn’t see any wooden spoons? However, a passing cyclist more versed in the chilly cow experience, told us that the spoons were placed under the lid inside the carton.
My face turned red and not because of the effort of the pedals, but because I hadn’t thought of looking there. I went for the honeycomb ice cream in the end, which was blended with honeycomb dust and had two types of honeycomb scattered through the ice cream for taste and crunchy bite.
It tasted deliciously smooth, fresh and creamy, with a natural sweetness due to the small pieces of honeycomb. My wife went for a rich velvety chocolate ice cream made using only cocoa powder and a few chocolate chips.
![Chilly Cow produces dairy and non-dairy ice cream](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/article27831915.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_IMG_5549jpeg.jpg)
She loved it, especially as she had worked up a sweat as well. I don’t know if it was the bike that had helped us work up an appetite but the ice cream tasted super cool and super tasty to us both.
The chilly cow shed sold other things such as coffee for £2 and expresso for £1 although we couldn’t find any paper cups when we were there. I was too embarrassed to ask the cyclist in case it was more than obvious again.
I also noticed they sold locally sourced items such as Bryn’s Kitchen, a range of restaurant-grade products from chef Bryn Williams and Owen and Edwards – fresh coffee roasted in Ruthin in the shed as well. They used this coffee in their Espresso Frappe Ice cream as well as their hot drinks.
The honesty box has change and a place for notes. You can use PayPal via a QR code if you spend more than £15.
I saw a poster that the farm sometimes hosts pizza nights or various events with some of the money on designated days going to charities such as Hope House or mental health charities. So, not only does it taste good but it helps out with well-deserved causes.
It seemed like a fine excuse for me to return and buy some more tasty ice cream. I know, what a guy, I just don’t like to boast about my charity work.
The Facts - Chilly Cow
Ice cream x 2 120ml
Total £5
Current opening times are:
11am - dusk
Atmosphere - Rolling hills as a stunning back drop
Car Parking - Park at the side of the small rural road
Disabled Access - No problems
Service - Do it yourself
Overall - Help yourself to some delicious award-winning ice cream.
Chilly Cow Ice Cream, Stryt Fawr Farm, Llanychan, Ruthin LL15 1UF 07968 993495