The return of artisanal ice cream to Bay Meadows, with stories in each scoop

Humphry Slocombe offers a unique ice cream experience

A line trails out the open doors. Wide windows reveal the store’s interior: behind a bright blue ice cream counter are even brighter faces. Despite the cold treat, the atmosphere of Humphry Slocombe could not feel any warmer.

On March 28, Humphry Slocombe— named after the two lead characters in the 1970 British sitcom Are You Being Served?—officially became Bay Meadow’s ice cream storefront, replacing the empty shop left by Tin Pot’s departure in Aug. 2022.

Bay Meadow’s Humphry Slocombe will be the eighth storefront from the company, the locations scattering California, with each offering seasonal flavors. The company was created by San Francisco residents Jake Godby and Sean Vahey, with a combined 20 years of restaurant experience. The duo premiered the chain in Dec. 2008 in the Mission District, with a goal to challenge the concept of the traditional ice cream parlor, inventing new and unusual flavors.

Each flavor, especially those sparking confusion in customers, comes with a story or a “voice and personality,” Vehay told California.com. Vahey’s first creation was Secret Breakfast, bourbon-laced vanilla ice cream with cornflake cookies, which jumpstarted the company’s rapid rise in popularity.

“There was no reason to do what other people were doing, especially when they were doing it well,” Godby, the primary flavor curator of the duo, told California. com. “It would be really boring for me to do the same [ice-cream] flavors as everyone else.”

So, what did Godby do? Invent as many creative and slightly chaotic ice cream flavors as possible. Due to their connection to California, most flavors reflect the state’s farm fresh foods, and Godby sources most of his ingredients locally.

He experiments with various fruits, vegetables, spices, and even meats to give Humphry Slocombe’s its distinctive taste. Humphry Slocombe even partnered with Blue Bottle—now its next door neighbor at Bay Meadows—to create a Vietnamese Coffee flavor.

“It is a very unique flavored ice cream shop,” Jannie, a customer, said, stopping briefly for another mouthful of Black Sesame ice cream. “I don't think anybody has even remotely come close to it.”

To Jannie, the flavors are “outside of the box,” reflecting the creativity and vibrancy of the West Coast—there’s some tang, maltiness, spice, and sweetness. Some contain alcohol or hidden goodies inside.

Accompanying Jannie are Aimee and Fan. Aimee, a Burlingame resident, remembers visiting Humphry Slocombe’s Mission District location several years ago.

“It’s nice to have a little piece of San Francisco here,” she said. “[It’s] very nostalgic.”

Another customer, Sherman, appreciates the layout of the restaurant and outside courtyard.

“It’s a nice hangout area,” he said, imagining a relaxing evening enjoying ice cream outside.

The ice cream, slowly disappearing from each customer’s cone or cup, all feature a playful name: including After School Special, Baracky Road, Fluffernutter, and I Have A Dreamsicle.

Each tongue-twisting taste and title contributes to a distinct ice cream experience—one rich with stories, experimentation, and California pride.

Daily, Godby and Vahey live up to their Humphry Slocombe expectation: crafting a “bizarre, delicious, frozen universe.” its empty styrofoam cup.

Once again, greet Highway 101: the engine buzz soaks up any trace of your journey. A familiar sun licks over the San Franciscan shadow. Keep the eatery’s voice alive: bring friends, family, and casual dates. Don’t bother with reservations, as The Night Market has kept its self-seating service even since its reopening in 2020. Lastly, you won’t be needing bills greater than 20, unless you plan to pay for the party.