History
1918
Isidoro Di Meo’s Journey
A young olive farmer named Isidoro Di Meo sets off from a small mountainous village in Southern Italy. Traveling 1500 miles on foot, he reaches the North East of England in search of work to support his family.
1920’s
The Ice Cream Business
Starting Small: Isidoro uses his savings to start a small ice cream business. He collects ice from the local fishing port and churns ice cream by hand.
Ice Cream Barrow: Isidoro sells his freshly made ice cream around the streets of Ashington, a mining community north of Newcastle.
1930’s
Relocation to Glasgow
Moving North: After several years in Ashington, Isidoro relocates his ice cream business to Glasgow.
1964
Armando Di Meo
Refocusing on the North East: Isidoro’s grandson Armando brings the Di Meo legacy back to the North East, establishing a small factory unit to manufacture ice cream for his ice cream van.
1968
A Significant Year
Joining the Ice Cream Alliance: Armando joins the Ice Cream Alliance, a decision that changes his life.
Meeting Marianna Bonadies: At an Ice Cream Alliance event, Armando meets Marianna Bonadies. They marry a year later and have five children: Alfredo, Franco, Luciano, Romano, and Rosa.
2001
The New Generation
Opening the Parlour: Armando and Marianna, with the help of their sons Luciano and Romano, open an ice cream parlour in Whitley Bay.
Luciano’s Innovations: Luciano, passionate about ice cream from a young age, develops new flavours beyond the traditional vanilla.
2005
Expanding the Menu
Romano’s Contribution: Romano, a trained chef, expands the business menu to include authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas
2013
National Recognition
Winning the National Ice Cream Competition: Di Meo’s gains national recognition by winning the prestigious national ice cream competition.
2015
Beachside Expansion
Opening Lido Di Meo: Di Meo’s expands to Whitley Bay North Parade with the opening of Lido Di Meo, our beach kiosk.
2017
3 Star Great Taste Award
Di Meo’s wins its first of many 3-star Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Food, a testament to our exceptional quality.
2019
Ouseburn Store
Newcastle Expansion: Opening our Ouseburn store in Newcastle, close to the Tyne River, bringing our beloved ice cream closer to the city.
2022
Tynemouth Store
Seafield Green Expansion: Opening our Tynemouth store at Seafield Green on the Grand Parade, continuing our tradition of excellence.
2024
Relocating Ice Cream Production
North Shields Production: Relocating ice cream production to North Shields, just a stone’s throw away from the fish quay and ice stores where in the early 1900’s our great-grandfather collected ice in order to make ice cream cream using machines that were cranked by hand.