Eddie Minghella, whose family name has become synonymous with ice cream, chimed in his forthcoming 102nd birthday this week with a scoop of Chocolate Bliss as an ice cream bike paid a special visit to his home in Ryde.
To celebrate Eddie’s birthday on 21st June, Louise Hart and Jenny Simmons from the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company – who merged with the Minghella brand in 2017 – delivered some truly delicious ice cream directly to Eddie’s front garden, proving that age is no barrier to savouring the sweetest pleasures in life.
Dressed like a true gentleman as always, Eddie sang Italian opera songs with utter glee as he sat on the ice cream bike and ate some of the famous Chocolate Bliss Minghella ice cream, declaring it ‘magnifico.
For over 70 years, the Isle of Wight has been home to Minghella ice cream. Eddie set up the family firm in 1950 using his wonderful, still unchanged, Italian artisan recipes. He only retired in 2014.
Speaking about the visit this week, which was arranged with help from Eddie’s daughter, Gioia, Jenny said:
“It was emotional and nothing short of phenomenal watching Eddie enjoy Minghella ice cream, here again in Ryde as he celebrates his 102nd birthday.
“We have all worked really hard with the brand, since we took it over in 2017, to ensure its quality remains the same and its heritage celebrated respectfully and with gratitude to the wonderful Minghella family”.
VIDEO: Eddie Minghella sings Italian opera in the sunshine
Louise adds:
“We have loved working with Minghella flavours and continue to use Eddie & Gioia’s original recipes whilst only using Isle of Wight milk and double cream”.
Minghella ice cream is being showcased at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, having been invited to represent one of many Island-made products in the Artist’s Village. This is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate the quality that the Isle of Wight has to offer on a much larger stage.
Minghella remains an Isle of Wight favourite with many catering establishments including Carisbrooke Castle, The Old Smithy, Captains Cabin and Osborne House all stocking many of the Italian artisan flavours. Also available from Medina Foodservice or Bliss Ice Cream Parlour in Cowes.
I miss those Saturday lunchtimes, meeting up with my Aunty Ruby, a Woolworth’s supervisor. Aunt Rube would treat me to a bowl of ice cream at Minghella’s cafe on the other side of Ryde High Street. The ice cream was delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the whole Minghella family worked together on a Saturday.
Does anyone have any favourites? Mine is rum & raisin. One thing about Minghella’s cafe was the aroma. Lovely memories.
Happy Birthday Eddie a lovely man with a loving family
Great bloke looks so well for 102 most of us will never see that age i worked at his ryde cafe in 1981 at 16…making icecream..he made me work alright.!!
Happy Birthday Eddie