In a triumph for both taste and creativity, owner of Fabulous Ice Fires, Taseer Ahmed, has previously been named the UK’s top-ranked gelato maker.
Now, The Times has listed the popular geletaria as one of the best places for ice cream in the country.
Taseer told the News Shopper: “Gelato can make you happy, it can make you smarter – I call it the superpowers of gelatos.”
Taseer has served hand-crafted frozen delights to the people of Lewisham and beyond for more than 10 years, and it’s no surprise that he is passionate about his craft.
A trained architect, Taseer set out to design a space that excites all the senses.
He explained: “I’m an architect and decided years ago that I would make a gelateria that was a sensory experience – there was colours, there was lights, there was sound, so all the senses were touched in some way.
“Taste and flavour were the piece that provided by the gelato that I make.
“Gelato is part of my architecture.”
Taseer described gelato as a medium that can evoke powerful memories, from seaside holidays to moments of celebration.
He added: “I set out to create this because I was interested in the idea of memories and stories.
“So, the memories children create when they come to a gelateria, and the memories that are evoked for the older people.”
Each batch of gelato is made by hand in the lower level of his shop, using natural ingredients, minimal sugar, and no artificial flavours.
“It’s not ice cream – it has less fat content and less sugar,” he explained.
“It’s healthier than anything you can pick up off the shelves in the store.”
From traditional favourites to unexpected combinations like tequila or smoked salmon, Taseer’s flavours are inspired by travel, art, and sometimes pure imagination.
Taseer said: “Gelato is something you can make any flavour you want – it can be savoury, sweet, alcoholic, anything.
“People request certain flavours again and I almost forget the flavours I made a few months ago as I do it as I go along and when inspiration takes.”
Taseer, who has spent years travelling through Italy and participating in international gelato festivals, has built a loyal following of regulars who return not just for the taste -but for the experience.
“My regulars are all important and they make it what it is,” he said, “when people discover us, they come here and nowhere else – the word has spread quite a lot.”
Despite being slightly off the main drag, Fabulous Ice Fires has become a local destination.
He said: “We don’t have as much footfall as Lordship Lane.
“But once people find us, they keep coming back.”
Beyond flavour, Taseer uses his gelato as a force for good.
From supporting children’s charities and refugee causes to his upcoming fundraiser, the business has long had a community heart.
The last initiative was on Saturday, July 19, when Taseer raised money for Médecins Sans Frontières through a special watermelon-flavoured gelato.
The funds will go towards the organisation’s critical work in Gaza.
“There are important things going on around the world and I am quite conscious of those, Taseer said.
“People think ‘gelato, what can you do’ – but you can do a lot.”
