Blackpool BID recently spoke with Luca Vettese, one of the directors of Notarianni Ices, about the history of the family-run ice cream parlour. We wanted to find out more about a place that’s loved by locals and visitors alike, and what being part of Blackpool means to the family behind it.
Notarianni’s has a remarkable story, and the passion that goes into running it really comes through in Luca’s answers. Here’s our full interview:
What is your name and job title?
“My name is Luca Vettese, and I’m one of the directors of Notarianni Ices, a fourth-generation family-run ice cream business in Blackpool.”
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of Notarianni’s? How long has it been running and who decided to open the business?
“Notarianni’s was established in 1928 by our Italian ancestors, who came to Blackpool and started what has become a much-loved family business.
Almost 100 years later, we’re now in our fourth generation, and the business is still proudly owned and run by the same family.
We’ve stayed true to what made Notarianni’s special from the very beginning – producing just one flavour of homemade Italian vanilla ice cream, made fresh on the premises every day using our secret family recipe.
We’re incredibly proud of our history and heritage, and with our centenary approaching in 2028, we’re looking forward to celebrating 100 years of Notarianni’s in Blackpool.”
What is your favourite part of running the business?
“For me, it’s seeing how much Notarianni’s means to people. We have customers who visited as children with their grandparents and are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.
Knowing that our family business has been part of people’s memories and traditions for generations is something really special.
I also love being able to work alongside my family and continue something that previous generations worked so hard to build.”
What is something most customers wouldn’t know about you or your business?
“I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that, despite how much the business has grown over the years, we still only make one flavour of ice cream!
Our vanilla ice cream is freshly made on site every single day, just as it has been for generations. We haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel or follow every new trend. We believe in doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well.
There’s also a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain the quality and consistency that our customers have come to expect.”
What do you love most about being based in Blackpool?
“Blackpool is home, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of the town’s history.
There’s something really special about being a business in a seaside town that holds so many happy memories for people. We get to welcome generations of local families as well as visitors who return to Blackpool year after year, with a trip to Notarianni’s being part of their tradition.
Blackpool has supported our family business for almost a century, and we feel very fortunate to have such loyal customers.
We genuinely believe Blackpool has so much to offer, and we’re proud to play our small part in what makes the town special.
One family, one flavour, since 1928.”
We really enjoyed going behind the scenes and getting to know the story and the people behind one of Blackpool’s best-loved businesses.
If you run a business in Blackpool and would like to share your story, get in touch at marketing@blackpoolbid.org.