Chris Warner, owner of Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop in Oakham, is working hard to bring his favourite ice-cream brand to the hard-working residents of Rutland. 

Based in Oakham's Market Street, Warner's has been stocking Rossi's ice-cream since last summer, and has become popular for its cones, take-home tubs, and milkshakes made with the Essex staple. 

Both Chris and Rossi's ice-cream were born in Essex, and Chris is now striving to bring that taste of home to the not-so-seaside shores of Rutland – starting with his very own Warner's Traditional Sweetshop. 

Image credit: Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop.

Chris Warner said: "As you can see, we now have our very own Napoli freezer in store and are stocking a great range of ice-creams."

Flavours include rum and raisin, vanilla, lemon ice, mint choc-chip, salted caramel, strawberry and double chocolate.

Chris added: "We are also stocking vegan ice-cream in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, and feedback has been great. Stocking these vegan ice-creams also means that we can provide vegan milkshakes too.

Image credit: Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop.

"In fact, The Angler are using Rossi's ice-cream in their own milkshakes and for the kids' desserts – even better because it is made with real dairy ice-cream, none of this synthetic stuff you see in other brands." 

Chris is slowly but surely spreading the word about the Essex phenomenon, and the ice-cream will soon be stocked in the West End Fish Bar too, giving residents a real taste of the seaside. 

Chris said: "Nothing better than chips and dessert, especially Rossi's - trust me!" 

On top of this, Warner's whippy machine will be returning in June, July and August for all your ice-cream cravings. They will also be stocking waffle cones, taking your Rossi experience to the next level.

Chris added: "It might feel cold to be thinking about it now, but it's never too soon to get excited for some summer sun and a good, proper ice-cream.

"I just wish more people knew about Rossi's. All the major supermarkets stock it in Essex. I don't want to be an exclusive stockist in Rutland – I just want  people to try it. My mission is, I would like to distribute it, providing everything that local businesses might need, from cones to the topping – topping to toe, if you were!

"That might make up for the lack of whippy ice-cream at Rutland Water," he laughed. "You need a whippy ice-cream at the beach." 

For another little taste of Essex, Warner's is also stocking chocolate from Maldon.

Chris isn't only championing his favourite Essex brands though, and works closely with Stamford Heavenly Chocolates and the Rutland Chef to deliver the biggest range of goodies possible. 

Image credit: Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop.

With Valentine's Day looming, he is also working hard creating his Valentine's gift boxes packed with chocolates, gummy-sweets, hard candy and fudge, which you can pick up ready-made or you can assemble yourself.

Image credit: Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop.

Chris explained: "We have some pre-made boxes, but you can also create your own gift box for any occasion. Abiding by Natasha's law, and to ensure inclusivity and safety, we make up labels for each produced detailing what is in it. This makes it easy for people with allergies or dietary requirements, such as being gluten-free or vegan, to enjoy a sweet box too." 

You can grab one of these Valentine's boxes, ice-cream, or other sweet treats at Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop:

6 Market Street

Oakham

LE15 6DY

Opening times are:

Tuesday 12pm – 5pm

Wednesday 9am – 5pm 

Thursday 12pm – 5pm 

Friday 12pm – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday 10am – 4pm

During half-term, the shop will be open every weekday 10am – 5pm and normal hours over the weekend. 

Warner's also offer delivery. Image credit: Warner's Traditional Sweet Shop