For many, the ultimate milkshake is one made with real ice cream, not artificial powders or syrups.
Across the UK, certain chain restaurants have embraced the importance of using high-quality ingredients, ensuring their milkshakes deliver the rich, creamy satisfaction that only real ice cream can provide.
Here are seven chains where you can expect nothing less than a genuinely indulgent milkshake experience.
This article provides general information on milkshake offerings in the UK. Please note that any images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact appearance of the products or locations mentioned.
1. Ed's Easy Diner
A retro American-style diner serving up classic thick milkshakes made with real vanilla ice cream. Ed’s Easy Diner uses proper ice cream to create milkshakes that are rich and creamy, providing the nostalgia of childhood treats.
Their range includes traditional flavours like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and each shake is thick enough to require a little effort through the straw, proving they don’t cut corners.
2. Fat Hippo
A favourite in Newcastle, Fat Hippo is well known for their indulgent milkshakes, made with real ice cream that provides a smooth, velvety texture.
Their shakes go beyond the basics with exciting flavours like salted caramel, peanut butter, and Oreo, which take advantage of the quality ice cream base.
These generous shakes offer excellent value, making Fat Hippo a destination not just for burgers but for shakes too.
3. Tinseltown
At Tinseltown, the combination of theatrical presentation and quality ingredients makes for a memorable milkshake experience.
Known for their Hollywood-inspired shakes, this American diner chain serves up towering treats topped with elaborate decorations, but at the core, they use real ice cream to deliver that signature creamy texture.
Tinseltown brings a fun twist to milkshake enjoyment, ensuring every sip is packed with authentic flavour.
4. Five Guys
Renowned for their commitment to quality, Five Guys makes milkshakes that are hand-spun with real ice cream, not dispensed from machines like many others.
Their milkshakes are built around a vanilla ice cream base, with the option to mix in flavours like chocolate, strawberry, or peanut butter.
The ability to customise with multiple mix-ins per shake makes each one personalised to your tastes, ensuring a rich, satisfying experience with every sip.
5. Archie's
Archie’s in London has built a reputation for both their burgers and their milkshakes, made with proper ice cream. Whether you choose classic chocolate or something more adventurous like salted caramel brownie, the ice cream base is always excellent.
Their generous portions and Instagram-worthy presentations ensure that the quality isn’t just seen but tasted, with each shake offering a satisfying experience for both the eyes and the appetite.
6. Shakeaway
Shakeaway specialises exclusively in milkshakes, and their commitment to real ice cream sets them apart. With an extensive menu offering hundreds of combinations, they anchor all their creations with quality vanilla ice cream.
Choose from an array of branded sweets, chocolates, and syrups to personalise your milkshake, and enjoy the same delicious experience whether you're in London or Manchester.
7. Byron Hamburgers
Byron may be known for its gourmet burgers, but their milkshakes deserve equal attention. Using real ice cream, their shakes are made with premium ingredients and crafted to perfection.
Classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are elevated to new heights, offering a creamy, nostalgic experience.
The sophisticated atmosphere at Byron extends to their desserts, ensuring their shakes are a fitting conclusion to your meal.
