Twenty years after setting up shop in Cowes High Street, The Plaza Ices have evolved to become the Island’s eco-friendly ice-cream parlour on wheels – now operating from two battery/solar serve vans.
Run by popular locals, Gary and Debbie Hall, the vans now serve sundaes and whippy in eco edible tubs – and generate their own electricity with solar panels on the roof.
They also serve Kelly’s of Cornwall Whippy Ice Cream and a selection of lollies from Cadbury’s to Rowntrees, as well as delicious frothy coffees. They also offer a Plant Based Whippy Ice Cream once a month on ‘Vhippy Day’, for people who choose a vegan diet and for those with dairy intolerances.
Over the past 20 years, the duo have served many notable people, including Dame Judi Dench and Queen Camilla, as well as other celebrities over the years.
Photo: English Heritage
From one full charge, Evie and Stevie – the newest vans to replace the retiring fleet – can do 2,000 whippys. Perfect for the many weddings, fayres, car boots, beaches, schools and other events Plaza Ices attend, as well as their popular spot down on Gurnard seafront.
It all started back in 2004 when The Halls opened their parlour in Cowes Old Town. They’d previously let the building to a lady who’d sold American gifts in a shop named Yankee Doodle. After she moved home to America, a freezer of ice cream had been left behind – prompting an idea.
The Plaza Ices very first paying customer was actress, Celia Imrie.
In 2006, Gary appeared on tv show, Deal or No Deal with Noel Edmunds. The shop’s takings soon shot up – and the winnings enabled them to buy their first van. Over the years, the couple have worked with over 30 young people – all who went on to make great careers for themselves – and they’ve had 14 different vans – each one an improvement on the last.
“Investing in our electric vans was a real leap of faith,” said Gary. “And it proved to be so good.”
The vans – purchased last year – are now quieter, cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.
The pair have broken a number of world records over the years, including World’s Fastest Scooper (Debbie) and were included in the world’s longest ice cream van convoy, with 84 vans in 2018.
Plaza Ices support the local community in many ways. They’ve raised funds for Mountbatten during Walk the Wight events – and regularly donate to other local charities.
Gary and Debbie work pretty much every day of the week – and have become well-known faces around the Island.
“We’ve had a really interesting life,” said Debbie. And it’s clear the locals agree. Feedback online often mentions their ‘smiley service’ – and ‘unbeatable ice cream’.
With the new fleet of electric vans, Plaza Ices’ new technology has enabled them to work swiftly and sustainably – meaning the future is ever brighter.
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