The owner of an Exmouth ice cream parlour and cafe has had a 'phenomenal' response to a new ice cream delivery service he has set up.

Antonio's owner Tony Badcott is offering his customers tubs of ice cream and everything you need to create your own 99's, delivered directly to your door.

Tony, whose cafe and ice cream parlour is based in The Strand, has had to buy 200 new delivery tubs after his first delivery run sold out in three days.

Nub News caught up with Tony today to find out why he set up the delivery service and how it has been received by the community.

"It was after the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, I was sat at home in the blazing sunshine and I thought I've got to do something to keep the business going," said Tony.

"We put a post on Facebook to test the waters and the reaction was amazing. We sold all of our delivery tubs in three days.

"We've got lots of ice cream and stock on hand ready for Easter. I've got such a loyal customer base, I've had customers from across East Devon requesting a delivery.

"The response has been phenomenal. I'm as busy now with the delivery business as I would be normally. The rest of the staff I've had to furlough as the shop is shut.

"At the moment it's all about being that little bit more entrepreneurial so that when the lock down is lifted we can continue as a business."

Tony is encouraging Exmouth residents to support the town's local businesses to ensure that those businesses are able to reopen again after the lock down is lifted. He said: "Being a seasonal business wholly dependent on making money when the sun shines if I don't make any money between Easter and September, when we normally make our money, that would mean we lose 70 per cent of our income. Which could make it very difficult to reopen.

"I think the lock down has made people recognise that local businesses and the community are very important. Once the lock down is lifted people really need to get out there and support our local businesses or they will not survive the winter.

"It has never been more important for people to shop locally."

How It Works

Insulated ice cream containers (that go into your freezer or ice box) enough for six very generous or 8 average scoops of ice cream.

You choose any combination of 6 from the 18 Antonio's hand made flavours e.g. six flavours x 1 scoop, 3 flavours x 2 scoops or even one flavour x 6 scoops.

Tony will deliver direct to your door along with 8 Cones and Flakes and Fudge Fingers. This would normally cost just under £20 if purchased from the shop but he is offering this for just £14.95.

Deliveries will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you would like to order please contact Tony by email on [email protected] with your full name, address and phone number. Let Tony know the flavours of the six scoops you would like. Payment will be arranged at this point.

New Flavours added this week include: Crème Brulee (the classic French desert), Toffee Caramel, Coffee Mocha and Limoncello (Sicilian Lemon - non-alcoholic).

Some flavours are running low so be prepared to possibly substitute if you want 7,9,11,12 or 13. Otherwise get in quick.

Delivery to Exmouth, Budleigh, Topsham areas. Other areas can be discussed.

1. Vanilla (Gluten Free GF)
2. Chocolate (GF)
3. Strawberries and Cream (GF)
4. Mint Choc Chip (GF)
5. Bubblegum (GF)
6. Crème Brulee (the classic French desert) (GF)
7. Honey, Sea Salt and Mascarpone
8. Toffee Caramel (GF)
9. Coconut Bounty (GF)
10. Loacker Italian Wafer
11. Reece's Peanut Butter (GF)
12. Battenburg Cake
13. Cherry Pie
14. Maltesers with White Chocolate (GF)
15. Coffee Mocha (GF)
16. Pistacchio (GF)
17. Limoncello (Sicilian Lemon - non-alcoholic) (GF)
18. Cherry Sorbet (GF)
19. Dairy Free Vanilla (GF)

To find out more about the delivery service click here.