Cadwaladers Ice Cream was started by husband and wife team David and Hannah when they built and opened the shop in Castle Street, Criccieth back in 1927.

Initially Hannah ran it as a general store with Dafydd - one of many children. Dafydd took over the business and developed its uniqueness and popularity after the war selling vanilla only and wet fish. He was generous, fun and secretive with little notices:

"Keep out! Beyond this door be monsters" and
"Smoking is allowed, but DO NOT exhale"

and a secret recipe including: 6lbs of "shan't tell you" and "a great deal of love and care" and "what did Norman Rockwell and the Encyclopaedia Britannica have in common?"
Sadly he died in 1983 - a great character and much loved personality was lost.

In 1984 the current owners, another Welsh family with entrepreneurial spirit, took over the business. They immediately expanded not just in North Wales, but South Wales and now into England. At Trentham Gardens near Stoke, and our new store in the Trafford Centre in Manchester. The concept of Cadwaladers Ice Cream Cafes was born and the imagination and innovation started. Now it's not just vanilla ice cream (thankfully the wet fish have gone) but an endless stream of changing flavours, unique chilled drinks, the best of coffees and great chocolate drinks.