PROPER GELATO, HANDMADE IN BELFAST.
OUR STORY
Hot off a European cycling odyssey filled with pizza, gelato and beers, our founder Ali Macaulay found himself wondering how he could bring Italian gelato to Belfast, whilst using the best milk and cream in the world right on our doorstep.
Before discovering his passion for gelato, he first pursued a degree in Law. After a few years in the legal world, being a suit was not at all what he imagined it would be and slowly began to realise that he had chosen the wrong career. After switching programs, he settled on a Management degree in Ulster and then went on to work in both the cycling and fashion industries in Belfast & Dublin for a number of years
In 2016, at the age of twenty-six and between one job finishing and another starting, Ali set off on a solo cycling adventure throughout Europe, starting in the Jersey Islands and making his way south. The sights, sounds, food and culture of European cities had a profound impact on Ali. He felt inspired to curate that same energy in the neighbourhoods of his hometown of Belfast.
One of Ali’s last cities before returning home was Girona, just outside Barcelona. It was here that he stumbled upon a gelato shop and went in to order a tub of baked apple ice cream. With a spoon in hand, he dove into a life changing cup of decadent gelato, rendered deep brown from the local baking apples that flavoured it. Equally as impressive was that the gelato was made at a small-batch kitchen just out the back.
Ali never looked back. He returned home determined to make amazing gelato and create a place where people could come and enjoy our product whilst building their own friendships and relationships in a safe environment. As he drafted a business plan, he resolved to build an ice cream business that would serve three distinct purposes.
Firstly, he would produce a small selection of super-premium gelatos on-site, with creative twists on classic flavours. Secondly, each scoop shop would serve as a vibrant neighbourhood hub. Ali loves pints (really really loves them), but he wanted to create a place where teenagers and young professionals could come and hangout without having to goto a bar. We love nothing more than seeing a group of teenage skaters or bikers at one end of the table, then a group of older people at the other, a good dose human connection with a great tasting gelato.
Lastly and most importantly, AL Gelato would do its part to make Belfast a more inclusive, tolerant and diverse city to live in by partnering with and donating to the amazing organisations that help to make Belfast a safe and welcoming place to call home.
OUR MISSION
We’re dedicated to making hand-made traditional gelato day in, day out. Our shops are for people to gather, share old memories, and create new ones. A place to wind down or rev up. A place to connect with friends & family. Or, you know, a place to grab a quick pot of Pistacho for just you and a spoon – we get it.
MAKE INCREDIBLE GELATO
Incredible gelato is made from the heart, and we make a product that we’re proud of. Our rich, dense and creamy base is the result of our unique recipe, made with fresh Irish organic milk, cream and sugar. Creating our 9 “Always” flavours’ and our rotating monthly specials to match the seasons.
COMMUNITY
At AL Gelato we strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates Belfast's diverse community. From our shops to our kitchens, we are a safe space where all people are welcome and valued. We Are All Equal, so come on in!
ENVIRONMENT
From the beginning, AL Gelato has been about more than just a product. We want to make the best, most inspiring product we can and we want to make the world a better place. All our packaging is made from plants and is compostable- from the straws in our shakes, to the spoons in our tubs- it’ll all eventually compost and hasn’t cost the earth to create.