ICE ICE BABY - A CATCHUP WITH JACK FROM TWO ISLANDS

from Abersoch Life Christmas Magazine 2021

WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE

**PHOTO: WHATEVER THE SEASON, INDULGENT ICE CREAM IS ALWAYS IN DEMAND AT TWO ISLANDS**
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AS MANY OF THE VILLAGE DREAM OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS, OF DUSTY MOUNTAINS AND SLOPES BLANKETED IN FRESH POWDERY SNOW, WE THOUGHT WHO BETTER TO CHANNEL THE ICE GODS THAN ABERSOCH’S VERY OWN JACK FROST? WE SNUCK BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE INDULGENT POWERHOUSE KNOWN AS TWO ISLANDS TO CHAT TO THE KING OF ICE-CREAM…ALL HAIL! IT’S JACK POLLITT.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW CAFE? WHAT DOES IT OFFER AND WHO ARE THE TEAM BEHIND ITS CREATION AND STUNNING DESIGN?

The new expansion sees additional indoor seating for coffee and cake with access into the ice cream parlour also. This means guests can come and enjoy all three of our offerings (coffee, cake & ice cream) together. The design has been done by ourselves - the aim was to preserve some of the history of the old bank such as the parquet and checkerboard flooring whilst introducing a fresh aesthetic. A lot of the contours and lighting choices pay homage to the Art Deco era in which the bank was built. Design consultation was provided by Tristan Francis of Studio Francis, and joinery work by Mark Duckworth a local woodwork wizard.

**PHOTO: JACK LOVES EXPERIMENTING WITH UNUSUAL FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS**
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HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ICE CREAM EXPERT?

A lot of trial and error. Some initial training was provided by our machine suppliers from Italy, however the quest to create the perfect scoop continues.

HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH YOUR EXCITING FLAVOURS?

We take a lot of inspiration from our travels to ice cream parlours in the U.S. so big bold flavours and lots of inclusions - think chocolate painted cookies, pie crust and almond praline. We also work closely with our green grocer and other local growers who provide us with seasonal fruit and veg at its peak which we roast and blend into our signature base, or make jams and compotes from to preserve it at its best.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST UNUSUAL FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS AND WHICH IS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL?

One of the most unusual combinations but also one of the most requested since its rare two appearances is; avocado ice cream with tomatillo marmalade. This was a collaboration with our friends at the Mexican restaurant Pontoon Pwllheli. We took their lime heavy tomatillo marmalade (tomatillos are like green tomatoes but taste like gooseberries) and rippled it through avocado based ice cream laced with habanero for a delayed heat.

**PHOTO: THE STYLISH NEW CAFE AREA IS A STUNNING NEW EXPANSION**
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**PHOTO: SMOOTH AND RICH, NONE NEGOTIABLE**
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**PHOTO: WHEN THE CUSTOMERS LEAVE, JACK AND LAURA OFTEN WORK LATE PREPARING DELIGHTS FOR THE NEXT DAY**
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**PHOTO: ONLY THE FINEST INGREDIENTS MAKE THE SCOOP**
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HAVE YOU HAD ANY BIG FLAVOUR FAILS?

Earl Grey. Wonderfully creamy, delicate black tea flavour balanced with lemon verbena. People like to drink it but not as a scoop apparently.

WHAT MAKES AN EXCEPTIONAL ICE CREAM?

It’s got to be smooth, and it’s got to be rich. We’re not about ‘light’ ice cream - it’s suppose to be a treat.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE TRYING TO MAKE ICE CREAM AT HOME?

Invest in good equipment and a couple of good books. David Lebovitz - The Perfect Scoop is a good place to start.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR US THIS CHRISTMAS AT TWO ISLANDS?

A selection of Christmas special flavours in the ice cream and cake counters, along with a few edible gifts to give to loved ones.

WHAT IS YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH 2021?

For communities and families to be together and safe.