Swoon Gelato is a family-run business located at 31 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB, United Kingdom. It specializes in artisan gelato made from high-quality ingredients, including Somerset milk and Sicilian pistachios. The gelato is churned on-site, offering a creamy texture and a variety of flavors, including classic favorites and seasonal specials. The establishment also serves coffee and cakes, providing a delightful experience for visitors. Swoon Gelato has received positive reviews for its quality and service, making it a popular destination for dessert enthusiasts in Bristol.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 1,969
- Tripadvisor 4.5 466
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location The Bristol location is conveniently situated near College Green and the Hippodrome, making it an ideal spot to enjoy gelato after a meal or event.
- Excellent Pistachio Flavor The pistachio gelato is consistently highlighted as a must-try, celebrated for its exceptional taste and quality ingredients.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Many customers have noted the warm and accommodating service, with staff willing to offer samples and assist with flavor selections.
- High-Quality Gelato Swoon offers authentic Italian-style gelato, praised for its rich, creamy texture and intense flavors that rival those found in Italy.
- Wide Variety of Flavors There is an impressive selection of gelato and sorbet flavors, including dairy-free options, with unique and seasonal specials to choose from.
Criticised
- Cashless Payment Only The shop does not accept cash payments, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
- Inconsistent Flavor Intensity The intensity and quality of flavors can vary from day to day, so sampling before committing to a full scoop is recommended.
- Limited Seating The shop can get crowded, and seating may be limited, making it difficult to find a place to sit and enjoy your gelato.
- Slow Service and Long Queues The service can be slow, leading to long queues, especially during peak hours, which can be frustrating for customers.
- Small Portion Sizes for the Price Some customers feel that the gelato portions are small relative to the cost, making it seem overpriced compared to other gelato shops.
The longer read
Swoon Gelato in Bristol earns high praise for its authentic, creamy gelato and sorbet, often compared favorably to gelato in Italy. Many reviewers recommend the pistachio flavor, describing it as exceptional and a must-try. Other popular flavors include cherry cheesecake, salted caramel, and tiramisu. The raspberry sorbet also receives frequent positive mentions for its balanced sweetness and refreshing taste. Several reviewers highlight the quality of ingredients and the intense, true-to-flavor taste of the gelato. Dairy-free options are available and well-received, with the Biscoff flavor being particularly noted. The texture of the gelato is consistently described as thick and silky smooth. Many patrons appreciate that the gelato is made on-site, adding to its freshness. The location, opposite College Green, is considered convenient and pleasant, especially for enjoying gelato outdoors. Some reviewers mention that Swoon is a perfect after-dinner treat or a way to cool off on a hot day, particularly after visiting the nearby O2 Academy or Bristol Hippodrome. The shop's stylish interior and inviting atmosphere are also appreciated. The staff are generally described as warm, friendly, and helpful, offering samples and assisting with flavor selection. However, some reviewers note that service can be slow, especially during peak hours, and queues are common. A few reviewers mention that the prices are relatively high, but the quality and generous portions justify the cost, especially with the student discount. While the majority of reviews focus on the gelato, some mention the excellent coffee, particularly the espresso made with Borbone coffee blend. A few reviewers mentioned the gelato cakes, waffles, and milkshakes as additional offerings. While most found the portions adequate, a few reviewers felt that the scoop sizes could be more generous. One reviewer mentioned that the shop does not accept cash payment. Overall, Swoon Gelato is highly recommended for its exceptional gelato, authentic flavors, and pleasant experience, making it a must-visit destination in Bristol for gelato enthusiasts.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 117 929 0093
- Website
- swoononaspoon.co.uk
| Mon | 10:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 23:30 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 23:30 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 11 places to eat we hold for Cliftonwood, where the most-reviewed is Lost & Found Bristol.
Still deciding?
- What sets Swoon Gelato apart from other dessert spots in Bristol?
- What are the most popular or recommended gelato flavors at Swoon Gelato?
- Is Swoon Gelato a good place to visit with kids or for group outings?
- Does Swoon Gelato offer dairy-free or vegan gelato choices for those with dietary restrictions?
- What is the typical price range for a serving at Swoon Gelato in Bristol?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.