Sarah Revives Historic Ice Cream Shop with Family Roots

Talk about tip of the iceberg. When you enter the old ice cream shop little do you realise it has a history going back to 1937.

Sarah and husband Liam took over the Lilydale Pet Supplies 2020 and quickly realised they would need to branch out to make it a viable business. Fortunately the property came with an upstairs flat, that become an air B&B, and a small premises next door.

In 2023 this premises was to become the Old Ice Cream Shop (in Lanchester) and they have a long family history to back up their business plan. Sarah’s family, starting with great great uncle Richard Bolton, had started the Kings Cafe in Annfield Plain in 1937 and if you are a local you will have seen and heard the ice cream vans in and around the area for as long as you can remember.

Sarah and Liam had both enjoyed working at Beamish for a time, hand making ice cream and sweets, and armed with that knowledge knew it was time to do something for themselves.

This dog friendly shop provides a wide range of ice creams and treats and has recently added coffee and breakfasts to its menu meaning its busy all year round. Despite the huge range of ice creams the shop has a very warm atmosphere and is set for a extremely busy 2026.

By Mark Wilkinson – Communities in Focus