Relationships and Ice Cream...

We all know there are many ways to be romantic, yet Ice Cream seems to be one of them. So what is it about Ice Cream and relationships?

Within the Ice Cream world there are both sides, male and female Ice creams, for example:
A man and woman stand at an Ice Cream Van. The man will look at certain flavours, styles and sizes whereas the woman will look at others. Research shows that more males will look at larger Ice Creams, most of the time a "twin" or "double" if its available. A woman tends to go for something smaller, perhaps even an Ice lolly. But why? Is this something to do with each gender and whats expected of them? Why do women prefer chocolate sauce rather than a man's choice of strawberry?
Its very curious how different genders decide on different Ice Cream choices, but what about when couples share? When this occasion happens its expensive tubs of Ice Cream like "Ben and Jerry's" for example. Does the fact its a shared Item warrant the £5.00 charge for what isn't really a large amount of Ice Cream, why is is considered something a couple just does? The real answers for these questions will take years of research into the workings of the mind, discovering the ins and outs of both male and female minds. Maybe the media is to blame, by advertising certain Ice Cream products in certain ways?
I may not be educated in the mysteries of psychology, but I know there is a difference in Ice Cream choices and the bizarre connection Ice cream has with relationships. A couple watching a film together will eat an ice cream, a couple out walking in the park will eat ice cream, something about Ice Cream seems a "must" with relationships.

Ice Cream Van Hire

Robert'sice cream van hire believe in supplying every customer the very best mobile catering units for all your catering needs. The company holds full 10 million pounds public liability insurance for the larger event, all staff hold health and hygiene certificates and are a registered company with local authority. Full risk assessment documents are available along with food preparation and hazard analysis documentation. All staff have now attended a basic sign language course.

Robert's ice cream van hire company can supply single or multiple catering units for any size event. Specialising in wedding hire, civil partnership celebrations, corporate hire, team building days, company promotional work including product and company branding, sporting events, school fairs and fetes, music concerts, charity fundraising events and children's birthday parties. Whatever event your planning, speak to Robert's ice cream company professional and friendly staff to discuss your specific requirements. 

Lactose Intolerance - A little help from the Ice Cream Man

Roberts Ices Understand that many people today are Lactose intolerant, so they cannot enjoy some of our Ice Creams, which is why we provide alternative products to keep everyone satisfied.
Since Lactose Intolerance is a big issue when it comes to Ice Cream I thought I would post a little information just to help those who may be wondering what its all about...

Lactose intolerance means you have trouble digesting lactose. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. The small intestine needs lactase enzyme to break down lactose. With lactose intolerance, you may not feel well when you eat or drink something with lactose because you don’t have enough lactase enzyme. 

If you have lactose intolerance, you may not feel well after you eat or drink milk and milk products.
You may also have

• cramps or pain in your abdomen, the area between your chest and hips
• bloating or swelling in your abdomen
• gas
• diarrhea
• nausea

Some illnesses can cause these same symptoms. If you have these symptoms after you eat or drink milk and milk products, see your doctor.

Since I am not a doctor this is all I really know about Lactose Intolerance, But I hope it helps anyone who may not be fully aware of what it is and how it can affect you.
At Roberts Ices we shall continue to provide Ice creams and Ice products to everyone, and be proud to do so

2012 - The Job I love, the Work that doesnt bring me down

Today was the second day Roberts Ices have been out on the rounds serving Ice Cream Even with the cold weather. The truth is, it doesn't matter that it was really cold and gloomy, I couldn't help but smile because I'm doing the job I love the best. Just playing the Chimes brings a smile to my face and smiles to all the children too who are now eating tasty Ice Creams.
So what has 2012 got in store for us all, we at Roberts Ices know one thing for certain, we will be there providing you and your family with the much loved unique Ice Creams we serve to make your summer complete.
Nothing makes me happier than when I'm out in my Ice Cream Van, Wherever I may be in the country and whatever I might be doing. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. 

Just on the random................
Today when I was driving around in the Ice Cream Van, I got to thinking about this "End of the world" prediction, and I came with this conclusion, Yes its a scary thought but if it happens we will all go through it together, side by side, heart to heart, shoulder to shoulder. I know for a fact that I can look down and say, I really loved being an Ice cream Man!

The Ice Cream Business...My View

To bring a smile to the children’s faces as well as running a profitable business makes running an ice cream van company a dream come true . Roberts Ices ice cream vans operate all over Kent, London, in fact all over the UK covering events from weddings ,music concerts ,fetes, fairs, school sports days and many more .We have built up a client list now that return year on year including channel 4,ITV,BBC.But although large events are great, to return to our local rounds and see the children jumping for joy at our arrival in their street still gives me a buzz that i never had working in the usual rat race of nine till five office .Our best selling items have always been the soft serve whippy 99 style ice creams although a close second is bubblegum ice cream ,bright blue and a taste the children love. Also very popular is our own invention the Candy cream ,a combination of soft ice cream on top of candy floss ,or cotton candy as its know in the states. To see our vans and products please visit www.robertsicecream.co.uk  i would love to hear if anyone has any other ice cream creations or inventions they would like to see on our windows .Another great idea has been children’s birthday parties where we turn up playing happy birthday ,invite the birthday boy or girl into the ice cream van and learn to serve the whippy ice cream to their friends them self .Children have great fun and we get very good feedback from the bookings. Anyway the sun is shining and I am going to get the ice cream van ready to bring a little happiness the streets of Kent .Listen out for the ice cream van chimes tinkle and we will see you there.

CSPI Attack Ben and Jerrys

Consumer watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is calling out popular ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's for using artificial and chemically-altered ingredients in its "All Natural" premium ice creams. According to CSPI at least 90 percent of the flavors used in "All Natural" Ben & Jerry's ice cream are not actually natural.

Some of these ingredients include corn syrup, alkalized cocoa, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, vanillin, maltodextrin and dextrose, all of which involve some type of chemical processing or are simply artificial. Alkalized cocoa, for instance, involves a chemical process that changes cocoa's natural flavor, texture and chemical structure, as well as eliminates some of its acidity and healthy antioxidant content. And vanillin is just an artificial version of vanilla.

"Ben & Jerry's sylvan labels notwithstanding, these ingredients come from the factory, not the farm. And slapping an 'all natural' label on the products certainly implies that the products are top quality and deserve to fetch a higher price," said Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of CSPI. "It's a stretch to call any of [these ingredients] 'natural'."

CSPI has been after Ben & Jerry's, which is now part of the consumer product conglomerate Unilever, since 2002 over deceptive labeling. After bringing these problems to the attention of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at that time, CSPI has watched the quality of Ben & Jerry's products get even worse

So now the group is now urging Ben & Jerry's to clean up its act and fix its deceptive labeling or else face legal charges to be brought before both the FDA and state attorneys general.

Season to begin tomorrow!

Roberts Ices officially Kick of Ice Cream Season 2012 tomorrow. The Vans are set and we are ready, exciting Ice Creams are ready to be eaten  and The New Chime "Yankee Doodle" is primed.
The bookings are coming in hard and fast for Weddings, Fetes and Fayre's and corporate Hospitality Events, so if your planning an Event Don't forget to book you dates in early to save disappointment.

Summer 2012 is predicted to be a great year, so join in and have Roberts Ices make things jsut that extra bit special
See us at www.robertsicecream.co.uk

Did you Know this? Fun facts About Ice Cream

It takes about 50 licks to lick away one scoop of ice cream!

Of all the days of the week, most ice cream is bought on Sunday!

Kids aged 2-12 and adults over 45 eat the most ice cream!

More men (13%) admit to licking their ice cream bowl clean than women (8%)!

Vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip are the most popular ice cream flavors!

Chocolate syrup is the most popular ice cream topping!

5% of ice cream eaters share their ice cream with their pet!

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream was started in Vermont in an old gas station converted into an ice cream shop.  

It takes 12 pounds of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream!

Between -5 and 0 degrees F is the best temperature for storing ice cream!

Between 6 and 10 degrees F is the best temperature for serving ice cream!

Air is an important ingredient in ice cream - it keeps the ice cream from freezing solid!

July is National Ice Cream Month!

The 3rd Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day!

Breast Milk Ice Cream...Yes Its true

The makers tell us its pure, natural and totally organic…but doesn't have a certificate to say so…would this tickle your taste buds?
This controversial Ice Cream was designed as an encouragement towards Breast feeding, and as of February 2011 was sold in a London restaurant to those willing to pay its £14 charge.
The Ice Cream, known as “baby Gaga” created by Matt O’Connor and has been pasteurized in Madagascan Vanilla Pods and Lemon Zest. Mrs Hiley, who kindly donated ingredients for Mr. O’Connor said “If adults realise how tasty breast milk was more new mothers would be encouraged to Breastfeed”. Mr O’Connor claimed nobody has done anything interesting with ice cream for 100 years – and I think its safe to say this can be classed as interesting – and for £15 for 10 ounces Mrs Hiley found her own “recession beater”.
I wish Matt O’Connor the very best of luck selling his Interesting Ice cream Idea, maybe this year we will see something even more surreal.

The History of Ice Cream - The Truth You Didnt Know

So where did it all start? Legend has all sorts of fanciful stories about Marco Polo bringing ice cream from China and Catherine de' Medici introducing it to France and King Charles I having his own personal ice cream maker; all wonderful stories, but sadly there is not a scrap of historic evidence to back up any of these legends. Marco Polo didn't introduce either ice cream or pasta to Europe and worse still, he probably never even went to China. Most of these myths seem to have been introduced by the Victorians.

The earliest evidence of anything approaching ice cream being made was in China in the Tang period (A.D. 618-907). Buffalo, cows' and goats' milk was heated and allowed to ferment. This 'yoghurt' was then mixed with flour for thickening, camphor (yes camphor!) for flavour and 'refrigerated' before being served. King Tang of Shang had a staff of 2,271 people which included 94 ice-men.

The early methods of freezing foods needs some explanation. Freezing of foods was achieved by mixing salt with ice. Mixing salt with ice reduces the freezing point and it is quite easy to achieve temperatures lower than -14C. Just who discovered the process is unknown, but it was probably invented by the Chinese. It was written about in India in the 4th century, and the first technical description of ice making using various salts was by an Arab medical historian Ibn Abu Usaybi (A.D. 1230-1270).

But the process did not arrive in Europe until 1503, in Italy where it was considered a chemists party trick, using various acids, water and salts. However, it was not used for food until water ices (sorbets) appeared in the 1660s in Naples, Florence, Paris and Spain. Later in 1664 ices made with sweetened milk first appeared in Naples.

In this country Ice Cream was served at a banquet for the Feast of St. George at Windsor Castle in 1671. It was such a rare and exotic dish that only the guests on King Charles II's table had 'one plate of white strawberries and one plate of iced cream.' All the other guests had to watch and marvel at what the Royal table were eating.

Such was the interest and demand for ice cream that wealthy people built ice houses on their estates. Ice, 'farmed' in winter from lakes, ponds and rivers was stored under straw and bark, until the summer when it was used for cooling drinks, making water ices and 'iced creams'. The ice was of such a poor quality that it was never actually put in food, it was only ever used to chill and freeze food and drinks.

Ice cream making was a closely guarded secret and the knowledge of how to make it would have been a meal ticket for life, which is why the first recipe in English did not appear until 1718.

The technique of making a custard based ice cream using egg yolks started in France around the middle of the 18th century and this is the origin of custard based ice cream. The Americans had to wait until 1800 to get their first taste of ice cream.

In the 19th century, ice cream manufacture was simplified with the introduction of the ice cream machine in 1843 in both England and America. This consisted of a wooden bucket that was filled with ice and salt and had a handle which rotated. The central metal container, containing the ice cream was surrounded the salt and ice mixture. This churning produced ice cream with an even, smooth texture. Previously it was made in a pewter pot kept in a bucket of ice and salt and had to be regularly hand stirred and scraped from the side of the pewter pots with a 'spaddle' which is a sort of miniature spade on a long handle.

The key factor in the manufacture of ice cream was ice. Where was it to come from? In the early 19th century importation of ice started from Norway, Canada and America, this made ice cream readily available to the general public in the UK. Ice was shipped into London and other major ports and taken in canal barges down the canals, to be stored in ice houses, from where it was sold to ice cream makers. This burgeoning ice cream industry, run mainly by Italians, started the influx of workers from southern Italy and the Ticino area of Switzerland to England.

In London they lived in the most appalling conditions in and around the Holborn area. The huge ice house pits built near Kings Cross by Carlo Gatti in the 1850s, where he stored the ice he shipped to England from Norway, are still there and have recently been opened to the public at The London Canal Museum.

The advent of mechanical refrigeration using electricity and gas, at the end of the last century, is what made the ice cream industry what it is today. No longer were huge quantities of ice necessary and it was now possible to transport and store ice cream. Previously ice cream had to be eaten within a few hours of it being made as it required too much ice to keep it frozen. Ice cream quickly became a mass market product and many of the old flavours became best sellers. It is an interesting point that most of the flavours heralded as 'new inventions' by the go-go chefs, can all be found in the history of ice cream.

Most people think of the cone or cornet as the traditional way of eating ice cream and until recently it was claimed in the United States to be an American invention dating from the 1904 St Louis World Fair. Our recent research has shown that the ice cream cone was an English invention. Although the cone itself can be traced back hundreds of years, the first recording of cones being used for serving ice cream was in 1888 in Mrs Marshall's Cookery Book. Prior to that ice cream was either licked out of a small glass known as a penny lick or taken away wrapped in waxed paper referred to as a hokey pokey (hokey pokey is supposed to have come from the Italian 'ecco un poco' 'here is a little'). An American government official said in 1969 that “The ice cream cone is the only ecologically sound package known. It is the perfect package.”

Ice Cream Is Good Food - A Food Feel good Factor

Looking for good food? A treat, something sweet and possilby a little bit naughty?
Ice Cream delivers something most foods don't, and thats a feel good factor. A delicious Ice Cream can be just what you need if your trying to impress guests or just just impress your taste buds.
In our experience, especially with coorporate Hire, Weddings and Private Hire peoples faces light up knowing a Traditional Ice Cream is on the Menu.

Many play it safe and have the "99" and other are far more adventurous. How adventurous would you go? Sherbet Dipped waffle cones? Kickerbocker Glory? Boat Sundae? Or maybe an exotic fruity Sorbet?
Well if you fancy something Sweet, if you need a perk up, or just need to shut the kids up for ten minutes, Roberts Ices is always there with a smile :)

2012 Olympic Games Events

Roberts Ices are prepared for 2012, but even more so we are ready for the Olympic Games.
We are already taking bookings for Themed events and Sports days, we are happy to join in with your themes, we can Dress the Vans and Ourselves.
Contact us today to book in your event before these Keys dates are taken up!

TV and Media Hire - ITV, Channel 4, Cartoon Network...

Roberts Ices offer many years experience working along side TV and Media companies throughout the UK.
We like to work with you, listen to you. Understand your needs, requirements, budgets and aspirations. In addition to the very best in ice cream van hire, we guarantee professional and friendly staff who are very experienced in being able to adapt to TV and media ever changing demands and time constraints, understanding the need for flexibility throughout production.

 Roberts Ices Cream van hire has many satisfied clients, based all over the UK, including Channel 4, Cartoon Network, Cbeebies, ITV, BBC, Square eye media, Beauty Seen, and many more.

The professional and friendly event hire and booking team are always very happy to discuss your needs and requirements. Contact us http://www.markesices.co.uk/media.html

Wedding day Ideas

For your special day we understand there is much to organise and lots to worry about…well let us take some of the weight from your shoulders and leave dessert to us. Stylish and tasty Ice creams which will have your guests amazed. From traditional Ice Cream to luxurious waffles there is something for everyones taste. Tailoring each wedding to you and your requirements we provide a unique service. Why not serve a few of your guests yourself? A great photo opertunity and a way to add some extra fun to your special day. Some choose to have chimes playing on our arrival as a surprise to thier guests, sometimes Brides and Grooms sometime like to arrive in the van themselves. Speak to us today to discuss how we can help add that touch more magic to your special day

Hire Ice Cream Vans in London 2012

Roberts Ices supply Ice Cream Van Hire in London all year round, bringing unique and tasty Ice Cream to offices, schools and even government buildings. Ice cream Vans in London require certain standards, all of which Roberts Ices exceed in, including service, Products and value for money. So what ever Event you are planning in London, let our Ice Cream Vans amaze you and bring the wow factor your looking for.
Dont let a dull London winter day bring you down, lighten it up with the taste of summer!

Roberts Ice Cream Van Hire in London tailor every detail to you, making hiring us stress free and easy. Speak to us today!

www.robertsicecream.co.uk

Sumer 2012

The offical date is here, Summer 2012 begins June 20th !!

So, what does this mean to you? The long days and warm evenings, football in the park, sipping fine wine whilst a barbeque sizzles away, Paddling pools and trips to the sea side. Or… An excuse for your dad to bust out the speedos because he still thinks its cool :-/
what makes everyones summer though, adults and children, is the delightful happy chimes from the Ice Cream Van and Roberts Ices will be there for when you need that cool treat which you will love, and a few children will make that Traditional Ice cream to face contact. I’ve always wondered how it reaches the back of thier heads?

This summer, let Roberts Ices make your Parties and Events extra special and unique, providing that next level of service. If your in London, or in fact anywhere in the UK Roberts Ice Cream Van Hire London is there for you. Contact us today and find out what we can do for you, all year round.

Making the right choice

WHAT TO LOOK FOR . HOW DO I MAKE THE DECISION WHO TO CHOOSE
There are many Ice Cream Van Hire Company’s claiming to be “simply the best”
CHECK...

 The Ice cream van hire company web site ( There are new laws coming soon where company’s will be prosecuted for making false claims on their web pages)

 CIEH Hygiene certificates (re-newable every three years check exp dates) for all staff.

 Product and Public liability insurance (check insurance is with reputable company. cheap offshore insurance could be a problem in the event of any claim).

 Employers Insurance

 Trading licence (issued by local authority)

 Risk Assessment

 HACCP or hazard analysis flow charts. ( duty of care) (This is a legal requirement)

 Are all staff Allergy aware? (what has been put in place)

 Although CRB checks are not a legal requirement for caterers it is reassuring when anyone is working with children.

 Does the company always confirm in writing your booking confirmation

 Check Testimonials (customer reviews are a very good way to see how the company is rated for client satisfaction)

 Terms and conditions of hire ( clearly defining the company’s promise to you ).

Roberts Ice Cream Van Hire Can confirm they tick all these boxes so Hiring with us we will not let you down.

Roberts Ice Cream Van Hire

Robert's ice cream van hire believe in supplying every
customer the very best mobile catering units for all your catering needs. The
company holds full 10 million pounds public liability insurance for the larger
event, all staff hold health and hygiene certificates and are a registered
company with local authority. Full risk assessment documents are available
along with food preparation and hazard analysis documentation. All staff have
now attended a basic sign language course.
Robert's ice cream van hire company can supply single or multiple catering
units for any size event. Specialising in wedding hire, civil partnership
celebrations, corporate hire, team building days, company promotional work
including product and company branding, sporting events, school fairs and
fetes, music concerts, charity fundraising events and children's birthday
parties. Whatever event your planning, speak to Robert's ice cream company
professional and friendly staff to discuss your specific requirements.
Serving soft vanilla whip ice cream with your choice of standard cone, waffle
cone, tubs, oysters and many more. Offering many flavoured ice cream choices
including bubblegum, apple, chocolate, strawberry, orange, cherry, lemon and
mint choc chip. As well as many Walls and Nestle products available at your
choice.
In addition, top of your selection with 12 different flavoured syrups as well
as vast options of rainbow and chocolate sprinkles, various sherbets, chopped
nuts, cinnamon, marshmallows and coconut.
The professional and friendly event hire and booking team
are always very happy to discuss your every need and will ensure your catering
requirements and expectations are always met.
Robert's fully uniformed catering staff will provide the highest level of
service and product quality for your event.
After the event a member of the after sales team will contact the hirer to
ensure satisfaction.
Roberts Ice Cream van hire has many satisfied clients, based all over the UK,
including Cartoon Network, Square eye media, East Kent County show ground,
Beauty seen and many more. The company is owned and managed by Robert.
www.robertsicecream.co.uk
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