Gelato time!

With a spectrum of flavours and artisan expertise, it’s time to experience mouth-watering gelato at JoJo’s …

Gelato – the latest gourmet trend to emerge from Italy – is taking Brighton by storm with the opening of JoJos gelateria on Western Road.

Over 50 mouthwatering flavours, including sorbets, are prepared artisan-style by the Italian gelato chef on-site. Ranging from more traditional flavours like French vanilla and pistachio (both highly recommended by the staff) to rose or blue bubblegum for those with a more adventurous palate, the only problem … is choosing.

In fact, the whole experience at JoJo’s is a little Willie Wonka. Behind the gleaming gelato counter, in row after delectable row, are the various sauces (milk, white, dark, toffee, coffee), fruit sauces and a mindboggling selection of toppings, from crushed Oreos to melted Belgian chocolate.

For those not in a gelato mood, a butterscotch waffle or a fresh strawberry crepe might just do the trick. Milkshakes are a popular choice here, too – with flavours like marshmallow and Cream Egg, it’d be rude not to try! Hot drinks include pink lady white tea and Rainforest Alliance coffee. And a breakfast menu with bagels and granola is in the pipeline.

But what exactly is gelato? And how is it different from ice-cream?
Whilst ice-cream is traditionally made with heavy cream and eggs, gelato is milk-based with fewer or no eggs, making it a healthier option with up to 50% less calories. It’s also about the air, or lack of it … during the churning process, less air is incorporated into the gelato mixture than with ice-cream, making for a smoother, creamier taste and a silky soft scoop. At JoJos, state-of-the-art equipment blends ingredients imported from Italy to produce a really authentic gelato that the family-run business is proud of.
Set on three levels, JoJo’s is a temple of spaciousness and light, with two huge glass windows perfect for people-watching with a Knickerbocker Glory to hand. With its beautiful sleek interiors, brightly coloured booths and trendy photo art, this place is the epitomy of “modern Italian chic”.

JoJo’s is perfect for people-watching with a Knickerbocker Glory to hand

Seating up to 85 people, there is also a private space perfect for children’s parties or special events. The gelateria’s luxury upholstered booths also provide that little bit of intimacy for a tete a tete over a sticky ginger pudding! Stunning neon signs and mood lighting that slowly changes from tangerine orange to cool blue gives it a fresh, modern edge, while bespoke furniture imported from Milan nods to its Mediterranean origins.

Night owls need not despair – JoJos’s late opening times (til 11pm) mean gelato is not just the ticket for kids’ birthday parties or that teatime temptation; it’s the perfect place for an evening indulgence, too.

When I visited JoJos recently on a bitterly cold afternoon, it was nearly packed. One lady sat on a bar stool protectively nursing a Hot Fudge Sundae. “It’s my special time, just me and the Sundae,” she said with a smile, when I asked her how she was enjoying it.

Isn’t it time you made some gelato time?

JoJo’s Gelateria, 123-4 Western Rd, Brighton, 01273 771532. Open 8am-11pm, 7 days a week. Prices start at £2.20 a scoop for gelato, and classic sundaes from £4.99. 10% discount for Students with ID. Email:
info@jojosgelato.com