The Fishguard ice cream van scooping its way to success

Alex Luke and Shauna Whitcombe are the proud owners of new business Luke’s Ice Creams, a gloriously painted ice cream van currently situated in Lower Town, Fishguard.

The couple will continue to bring the taste of delicious goods to Lower Town throughout September after a great first summer.

Shauna and Alex met while studying travel and tourism at Trinity St David University in Swansea.

(Image: Western Telegraph) After graduation Alex moved back to his native Haverfordwest, joined by fiancée Shauna.

Alex started working for Royal Mail and Shauna at Folly Farm, however the couple always harboured a desire to run a food business together.

When an ice cream van in Goodwick was advertised for sale, the couple went to have a look and ended up becoming its new owners.

(Image: Western Telegraph) There followed weeks of hard work giving the van a complete makeover inside and out. Helped by friends, the couple sanded off the old decoration and stickers and painted the van in their signature colour of white and red, before adding lashings of strawberries.

“The more we looked the more strawberry stuff we found,” said Shauna. “Then people started giving us strawberry things.

“It’s summery, appeals to kids and we both like retro things.”

(Image: Western Telegraph) Named Luke’s Ice Creams, the van stocks local Upton Farm Ice Cream, with the Welsh flavours of Pembrokeshire Promise and Dragon’s Delight proving popular as well as the Biscoff ice cream, which also comes in a special tray, great for sharing.

They also sell vegan ice cream from Marshfields, dog ice cream, lollies, magnums as well as hot and cold drinks.

All manner of toppings and sauces are also available.

(Image: Western Telegraph) The couple’s decision to provide scooped ice cream, rather than whipped, has proved popular, with fans praising the fact that they sell ‘real ice cream’.

“We didn’t think people would get so passionate about ice cream,” said Shauna.

So far the response to the new business has been good from locals and visitors alike.

“A few people who live here have introduced themselves, they’ve been lovely,” said Alex.

“We’ve had a surprising amount of tourists too, from Germany, America, Australia. It’s nice to speak to different people.”

(Image: Western Telegraph)

The van is also available for private events and made appearances at Scolton Manor, Dinas Cross Fun Day and Broad Haven Carnival this summer.

“We had some events that went well and they are looking to have us next year,” said Alex.

It’s possible though that the couple’s most important gig might be at their own wedding next September.

The van will be in Lower Town, Fishguard, from 12pm to 5pm from Wednesday to Sunday this month.

The couple will update their Facebook page Luke’s Ice Creams to let people know if they will not be there.

The van, as well as Alex and Shauna’s excellent scooping skills, is also available for private hire over the autumn and winter.

To find out more, visit the Luke’s Ice Creams Facebook page, linked above or email lukesicecreams@gmail.com.