Ottavio's Ice Cream Parlour, Edinburgh

Ray Di Sotto’s main business was The Fudge House on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The Di Sottos have a long history in traditional Italian ice cream, though, so he maintained a small ice cream outlet as well. He always knew there was potential for a dedicated ice cream parlour, so when another outlet on the Royal Mile became available, he jumped at the opportunity and put his son, Ottavio, in charge.

RSS was commissioned to provide top of the range Italian display cabinets, all the equipment and some of the shopfitting in the parlour. We also provided support when it was needed to help keep the operation running smoothly.

The parlour has up to thirty freshly made ice creams are on display at any time. Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry sit alongside the seasonally-influenced flavours. Other popular choices include Rocher (yes, the well-known chocolate) and the champagne sorbet.

Ottavio’s opened for its second season in March 2005, adding frozen and semi-freddo ice cream cakes to their range. Profits topped the first season, just as the Di Sottos had hoped and predicted. As the business continues to grow, Ottavio’s plan to supply their cakes and ice cream to local catering outlets.