We had just emerged from Ronnie Scotts late on a Sunday night. Old Compton street was like a gay fashion show as usual. Lots of men sitting along the side of the road while pretty boys minced up and down. I had walked past Amorino many times but never ventured inside. I suppose I disregarded it before, thinking it catered for all the drunk people stumbling around Soho late at night, serving them cardboard waffles and with cheap ice cream. Well, I was wrong about the waffles and ice cream.
Store: They’re going for that rustic Italian look with cosy tables and exposed brick walls. Lots of terracotta coloured things.
On offer: Gelato, milkshakes, waffles, hot chocolate and great people-watching of you’re into drag queens.
What I had: A scoop of pistachio and a scoop of L’Inimitabile gelato. L’Inimitabile is a rather unpronounceable word for their chocolate and hazelnut gelato. Basically Nutella flavoured gelato. Very delicious – thick, creamy texture and great intense hazelnut and chocolate flavour. Pistachio had good flavour but the texture was a little grainy. A shame really.
Verdict: The pistachio gelato was a bit disappointing, but I’m resigned to the fact that since the life-changing experience of eating pistachio gelato in San Gimignano, nothing will ever come close. But for seedy Soho on a Sunday night Amorino offers excellent gelato and a slightly more civilised place to refuel after dancing at G-A-Y all night.
41 Old Compton Street
London W1D 6HF
020 7494 3300
