MEET THE LEVY PAYER - MACKIE'S 19.2 ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Ice cream lovers will know all about hundreds and thousands as a topping – but did you know Mackie’s 19.2 Ice Cream Parlour has hundreds and thousands of mouthwatering combinations of flavours, toppings and sauces to tantalise your tastebuds?

That’s just one of the delicious facts about this Marischal Square venue shared with us by parlour manager Yvette Harrison.

We caught up with Yvette for a chat and she told us why the parlour loves being in the city centre and unveiled some of their great plans for the coming 12 months.

Tell us about Mackie’s 19.2 Ice Cream Parlour.

We serve over 30 flavours of delicious Mackie’s ice cream in cones, tubs, sundaes, and milkshakes, as well as freshly made crepes, waffles, coffees, and toasties.

Our name reflects the 19.2 miles in distance from the parlour to the family farm, where all the ice cream is made, and many flavours are unique to the parlour which you can’t buy in supermarkets.

With the variety of ice cream flavours, sauces and toppings available, there are over 725,000 delicious combinations to choose from!

What do you like about being based in the city centre?

There is a nice community of business owners and managers, especially in and around Marsichal Square, which is handy if you need to borrow anything or have a chat!

When there are organised events, like the Christmas Market, Nuart and Spectra, it is nice to see increased footfall and a buzz around the city.

What are the benefits for you and your business of being an Aberdeen Inspired levy payer?

The email is great for keeping us up to date with all the events and activities that are happening in the city. You also get the benefit of great marketing support and promotions to help us advertise the business.

You feel part of a community of businesses that are optimistic that Aberdeen will return to its flourishing self, seeing people return to the city centre and spending more time in the city. We also love been involved in Aberdeen Inspired events such as Aberdeen Restaurant Week and Nuart.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Having been open for seven years this year, we plan to have a little refurbishment to keep the parlour looking fresh and remind people of our agricultural heritage – all our ice cream is made on the family farm, exactly 19.2 miles from the parlour.

We are also hoping to attract new and more visitors from the cruise ships this year, by advertising in maps distributed at the port, and working closely with the Tourist Information Centre.

During the school summer holidays, we will be launching some exciting new ice cream flavours so keep an eye out for them!

What advice would you give to new businesses looking to set up in the city centre?

I think location is very important when thinking about opening a new business in the city. How do people access your business, by car, bus, or walking? Plus, look at having other businesses around you to help draw footfall to the area.

What would be the biggest improvement to the city centre in your opinion?

As shopping has moved online, we need to think beyond shops and look at more entertainment spaces, food, and hospitality outlets. We have many beautiful buildings that can be regenerated. People need more reasons to visit the city centre and events such as Spectra and Nuart show that people are willing to visit if given a reason.

I am looking forward to the new market opening in the old BHS building, and think, for example, an interactive mini golf venue would be a great addition to the city centre.

When you’re not working where is your favourite place or thing to do in Aberdeen?

On my days off I enjoy Aberdeen beach, be that walking my Frenchie Hendrix around Fittie, meeting friends for a coffee from the new beach vendors, paddleboarding, or a dip in the sea.

I also like to keep active and attend weekly Rebel PT bootcamp sessions held in parks around Aberdeen City and Westhill.

You can find out more about Mackie’s 19.2 Ice Cream Parlour by visiting their website here.