Our History

A man and woman standing outside an ice cream shop, each holding a cone of ice cream with colorful sprinkles. They are wearing aprons with the logo 'VETTESE' and smiling at the camera. The shop has a green exterior and a sign with 'VETTESE' on it.

Joseph Vettese and his daughter, Roberta, at their new ice cream shop, Vettese, in Holt. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Four black-and-white photographs of J. Vettese's restaurant and people, including two women inside, a line of people outside, and a couple seated at a table.

Did you know Vanilla is often heralded as the king of ice cream flavours? One key aspect is that vanilla complements and enhances the natural flavours of high-quality dairy products used in ice cream. Vanilla allows the creamy texture and rich taste of the dairy to shine through without overwhelming it - that is why we have kept it at the heart of our menu since 1919.

Ice Cream Machines – The Real Deal.

Did you know we use a vertical freezer? Long before modern whippy machines took over, these traditional machines churned out delicious ice cream with very little air, giving you more ice cream for your money! While most machines can pump in up to 120% air, ours only adds about 20%, making each scoop denser and more flavorful. In fact, Vetteses is the only place in East Anglia equipped with these classic machines!

MENU
A decorative sign on a white wall spelling the word 'LOVE' with the letters made of metal and painted red, mounted on a wooden ledge; the sign shows signs of distress and weathering.

The original Vettese sign has pride of place in the new shop in Holt.

Queue outside Vettese' ice cream shop on Regent Road, Coronation Day 1953. (Image: Eastern Counties Newspapers)

A black-and-white photo of a long line of children waiting outside a building with windows and a sign that reads 'Saloon Bar'. The children appear to be holding ice cream cones and are dressed in 1940s-style clothing.

Indulge in Tradition

At Vetteses, we take pride in our rich history. Our delectable VANILLA ice cream is freshly made every day using a cherished recipe handed down through four generations of our family, dating all the way back to 1919. We believe in using only the finest, locally sourced DAIRY products to ensure every scoop is a true taste of tradition.

Back to Basics

Step into our world where we celebrate the good old days! Relive the nostalgia of simpler times with our all-natural ice cream. Treat yourself just as your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents did with indulgent delights like traditional Italian Ice Cream, Knickerbocker Glories, Banana Splits, Nougat Wafers, and thick, creamy Milkshakes. 

The Recipe – Crafted with Care

Our secret? A traditional Southern Italian recipe that uses only all-natural ingredients. With a higher dairy fat content than typical gelato, you’ll experience a creaminess that is simply unmatched. We even make our own raspberry sauce, combining just raspberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon for the perfect balance.

Marrying the Traditional with the Modern

The beauty of our vanilla ice cream lies in its versatility. One flavour, hundreds of ways to enjoy it! Create your unique dessert masterpiece, or choose a classic that speaks to your heart.

Taste the difference…