Cheltenham Dairy & Milk Bar

Finally got myself here after its sitting on my list to-​see ever since hearing about it’s opening. Fell in love with it immediately just from their retro lettering of the name on the outside front window and colourful beach chairs and children’s stools to lounge on.
Loved the throwback to old days with the old-​school dairy feels inside as well. Several wall mounted blackboards to order off, beautifully stocked chocolates, gum, lollies on shelves and lolly jars in rainbow colours– like how I’d imagine Roald Dahl’s childhood at the candy store and wooden crates on the back walls with other goods on sale. It was all clean and neat lines, making it a cool visual experience.
In true dairy style, they of course have an ice cream freezer, tall fridges stocked with drinks, milk etc as well as other general food items. Loved having a proper eye into their gelato freezer stocked with zany flavours like Kinder surprise and blueberry cheescake as well as classics like salted caramel and hokey pokey. Definitely noticed their small stack of ice cream sandwiches in chocolate covered graham crackers– in a range of colorful ice cream flavours. Also had a look at their small offerings of sweet homemade treats like coconut ice wrapped up in white paper, caramel nut bars and and thick cookies– afghans, peanut choc chip, gluten free smackaroons.
Ordered their ‘Smurf’ smoothie, that was– as you guessed it– blue from frozen blueberries, natural yoghurt, sugar syrup and fresh mint. It was decent but I’ve definitely had better. Sister was slightly disappointed in her ‘She’s a peach’ with its peach with strawberries, passionfruit and natural yoghurt. At least it was fun with its colorful bendy straws and generous size.
A cool place just to stand inside and take in– would love to spend some time on their bench in the front window with stools, reading magazines and newspapers. Maybe a coffee or a fresh juice– would like to see if they’re any good. Next time, definitely coming back for something out of their fridge– which is full of savoury delights– nutritious, healthy salads or stuffing-​filled sandwiches and their ice cream sandwich if not a gelato cone.

I came here after reading about ice cream sandwiches and gosh they did not disappoint at all! The staff there was soooo friendly and nice, everyone in the neighbourhood was nice!
I got a salted caramel ice cream sandwich which was premade but not soggy at all. Anything but. He offered to make me a new one but I declined as it wasn’t necessary. The chocolate dipped graham biscuit was crunchy and the perfect flavours for an ice cream sandwich. The salted caramel ice cream had the perfect amount of salt to sugar ratio (which believe me can go sooooo wrong). And just the marriage of he two was heavenly …
I know… It’s so basic and to judge a whole store on something that can be made anywhere. But the environment, staff and the one item I tried was perfection. And those outdoor seatings. Soooo cute.

The concept behind the new Cheltenham Dairy & Milk Bar warms the my cockles of my heart. Sure, I wasn’t alive when dairys looked like this but I’ve seen the photos and been told the stories. My grandparents grew up on the Shore and I can just imagine them heading down to the local Milk Bar for a shake or to pick up some groceries.
Nostalgia aside, Cheltenham Dairy & Milk Bar is pretty much a schmancy diary. There’s all the usual lollies, ice cream, chips and drink but they’ve also got a small selection of baked goods (muffins, slices and some sandwiches), Allpress coffee and juices & smoothies as well. I didn’t actually spy any milkshakes when I was there but surely they do them!
When I popped in it was late afternoon I was in need of refuelling so I ordered their berry smoothie. The serving was large but unfortunately the taste was disappointing. It was incredibly sour and icy. I should’ve taken it back but I was already on the road when I took my first sip. Suffice to say, I’ll be sticking to regular diary products next time. You can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of ice cream right?