Ray and his bright orange ice cream van is a very familiar sight on the Hoe seafront. Parked in the same area for over 20 years, Ray’s Ice Cream Van is as iconic to Plymouth as Smeaton’s Tower.
We managed to grab a delicious White Chocolate & Raspberry Langage Farm ice cream from his van and find out more.
Ray Minchinton has been selling locally renowned Langage Farm ice cream from his van for a staggering 24 years. He’s completely independent and is his own boss, I’m sure he’s treated himself to the odd ice cream or two over the years and knows all the 40+ flavours of Langage Farm inside out.
Standing in the glorious Devon sunshine overlooking the sparkling Plymouth Sound with the Citadel behind him, I can see why he loves it so much. “It’s not a bad view from my work,” says Ray. “I get to look out across the blue sea every day and watch the yachts. It’s a real treat to have this as the view from my workplace. Plus, I have such a great location to watch the British Firework Championships – right outside my window!”
There’s not much Ray doesn’t know about ice cream. The most popular flavours, latest trends his secret for the perfect ice cream sundae, you name it, he knows it!
“I can sell around 500 ice creams a day,” adds Ray. “It’s amazing to think that over the years, I must have sold hundreds of thousands of ice creams.” Well, we’ve done the maths and we think it’s actually over a million ice creams! “That’s a lot of ice cream!”
“I have customers who have been coming to me for years,” adds Ray. “Some for nearly as long as I’ve been here. I’m so lucky to have lots of regular, loyal customers who return to me year after year. I know the regulars really well and even know their favourite ice cream before they place their order.”
In addition to his regulars, Ray also sees lots of visiting tourists from all over the world. “Many customers just want to try authentic, traditional Devon ice cream that they’ve heard about. One recently said he’s in Plymouth to find and eat a pasty and buy an ice cream. I told him I don’t do pasties but have plenty of ice cream!”
So out of all the flavours he has sold over the years, what’s the favourite flavour for his customers? “Langage Farm Thunder & Lightning,” says Ray. It’s a honeycomb flavour and one of the most popular ice creams I sell.”
It seems Ray and his Ice Cream Van are quite famous in Plymouth. With his big smile and luxury ice creams, and the huge queue of people eagerly awaiting their turn, I can see why.
I remember visiting Ray and getting an ice cream when I was a child and it’s lovely to see children’s faces still lighting up when they get theirs; ice cream scoops stacked high on waffle cones. Nothing says summer more than an ice cream!
If you’ve not visited Ray’s Ice Cream Van, you must. Find him on the Plymouth Hoe seafront road, near the Citadel.
Oh, and his secret ingredient for his perfect ice cream sundaes? Langage Clotted Cream!
Think I’ll be getting one of those next time!