#076

Rossi Bros ice cream was a well-loved local brand which actually originated in south east London. An image taken from some video footage in 1995 captures its shop at 124 Cranbrook Road where it traded for more than 50 years. Here we look at the history of the company and also whether it really did have anything to do with the Rossis of Southend and Weymouth. With thanks to the Ilford Recorder for information and the staff and management of Titanic Café for their valuable input.

[@Myth_10]

Just found your channel. Bring s back so many memories

[@storm3698]

Rossi icecream was exceptionally good. My mum used to take me to the one in Barkingside and you could sit inside and eat there. I would have a cherry sundae and it was beautiful. Rossi icecream was creamy and very clean tasting without any of the additives and after taste you would get these days from icecream. I don't think i have had icecream of the vanilla variety as good as that which i had tasted as a kid. Since moving up north and having visits to Blackpool, i am yet to taste icecream at a place there called "Notarianni " which is known for its amazing ices. It has long queues particularly in the summer. Quality always sells. Nothing will ever come close to the taste of Rossi's. Fond memories.

[@IlfordRetro]

You're right about that Storm3698; quality speaks for itself and the masses will buy it if it's good. It would be interesting to see whether Notarianni hits the same heights as Rossi Bros did all those years ago. But perhaps for nostalgia factor and those formative impresions about ice cream, nothing will ever beat it.

[@SA-yb7mt]

Thanks, another one that new to me. Its funny how so many dessert places have opened up in the last decade or so, maybe Rossi could have thrived today.

[@IlfordRetro]

That's very true - I don't think it would be at all out of place and it would have had a huge, established customer base. Perhaps the ones of today will be the next Rossi (although I note that Creams in the Exchange closed down last September!)

[@divinity176]

I used to go in there back when the Essex cricket team played its home matches at Valetines Park. Another favourite shop of mine on that journey was Ski West sports shop. No idea if it is still there.

[@IlfordRetro]

Those were the days.....Essex playing cricket with a full house at Valentines. Interesting that you mention Ski West. It was a popular independent but always seemed to be "closing down", like, forever! The video footage we took from 1995 shows it, and pending anyone coming forward with information about it and what happened, we'd love to do an episode on it.

[@rajnirvan3336]

Wow I remember that company.

[@IlfordRetro]

It was one of the best!

[@soumyabasu9407]

My father's office was next door at 126 (Impex; the sign was up until the most recent redevelopment). As a child, when I'd visit my Dad's office, I'd pop next door to look for Mr Bruno (Rossi - I don't know why I'd always call him Mr Bruno, I assume his name was Bruno Rossi?), who'd treat me to ice cream and show me how the ice cream was made in the back - I was in awe! I thought he was like Willy Wonka! used to live nearby and put up the most incredible Christmas decorations outside his house, but sadly we lost contact :(.

[@IlfordRetro]

Lovely to hear that anecdote. And our old footage pans past the IMPEX office (was it an import/export company?). It seemed that the businesses there were there for a ver long time, even the Peppermint beauty parlour which was the other side of Rossi has only recently closed down. Understandable that Mr Bruno (!) became a sort of Willy Wonka character for you back then - anyone who controls sugary treats and ice cream would have been great to know as a kid. I couldn't recall who or find details on the last proprietor at the Ilford branch. It's such a shame that if there was other family members, they didn't carry on the business.

[@tracybrock8415]

Bruno Rossi used to visit me when I was the window dresser in Bodgers (1996 - 2018, when it closed) Bruno relocated to Nottinghamshire about 7 years ago and, apart from Christmas cards, we lost contact. However I was very sad to hear that he passed away a few years ago, he was a lovely man and I have lovely memories of my visits to Rossi’s, it was always a treat.

[@IlfordRetro]

Thanks for filling us in @@tracybrock8415 How sad to learn that Bruno passed away. Clearly he left a positive impression on many people and was kind with his time. You've also played your own part in Ilford's story, with Bodgers being another famous institution.

[@andyreggio4250]

He was always smiling and had a graat positive energy around him. I was only a kid but remember him like it was yesterday. Sad hearing of his passing ​@IlfordRetro

[@IlfordRetro]

Nice to hear that he also left a lasting impression on you @@andyreggio4250 At least with yours and others' memories of Bruno and the Rossi Bros parlour itself, their memory and legacy lives on

[@robertlamb2783]

I believe, as well as the Barkingside branch still being there as Quidsaver, you can still get Rossi's ice cream from the Valentines Park Cafe!

[@IlfordRetro]

That would be brilliant if it does, so thanks for the notice. It's worth taking a trip to Valentines to find out, even if it is freezing outside!

[@TheRagBag]

Remember it well

[@IlfordRetro]

Gone but not forgotten

[@amankataria1997]

Have you got the hotel before and after? That would be interesting to see

[@IlfordRetro]

We have a photo which shows it but are considering whether it's the best quality to replicate for an episode. It may feature some time in the future!