Ice cream's a piece of cake for Mullin's

Kilrea company bring home a

little taste of Italy to the borough

A little taste of Italy is coming to Kilrea!

Last Friday saw the official reopening of Mullins Ice Cream in Kilrea following a refurbishment which was completed at Easter.

And the famous brand is introducing new ice cream cakes after one of the company’s proprietor’s, Walter Mullin, decided to bring back the specialised technique from Italy.

Walter and two senior staff attended specialised training in the south Bologna region of northern Italy where they developed their skills with the help of Marco Congedo from Mec 3, a flavour house company that helps to set up geltaterios and patisseries all over the world in places such as Asia and China.

Mullin’s were able to perfect these innovative cakes which are now available to buy in Kilrea.

Inside the new shop a theatrical element was introduced which is unique to Mullins. Through the glass wall customers can enjoy the experience of watching the ice cream cakes being made and choose from a large range of sponge based, layered ice creams and birthday cakes.

At the official reopening last Friday, local businesses got the opportunity to watch the new cakes being made and - even better - to sample them!

Local Assemblyman, John Dallat, who officially reopened the shop, said: “Mullin’s Ice Cream has been the hub of Kilrea since the 1950’s.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be here today and see the newest developments brought by Walter and Colm.

“Their continued investment in Kilrea has provided jobs, brought visitors to the town and with their landmark ice cream has kept Kilrea on the map. I wish them every success in their new shop.

“Smaller towns need 'honey pots' to attract people to come and do business and Mullin's Ice Cream products has served that purpose for many years.”

This latest development has seen a major investment in the company’s shop and factory.

All the ice cream and cakes are made on site and up to five new jobs will be created, which excites both Walter and Colm.

Walter said: “If our Ice Cream Cakes prove popular we hope to extend the range to our scoop shops throughout Northern Ireland, as for the interim they are only available from our Kilrea shop.”

Mullin’s Ice Cream was established in 1956 by Walter and Margaret Mullin and began its life selling just one flavour of ice cream, in a grocer’s shop.

Sons Walter and Colm took over the premises in 1985 and many new flavours have been developed since - with now 20 being sold today.

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