A MUCH-LOVED Weymouth ice cream parlour has been named as one of the tastiest ice cream shops by the sea.

Rossi’s, on the Esplanade, was listed second on a list compiled by national newspaper The Times.

It comes after the publication named Weymouth Beach as the best in the country in its annual best beaches guide for Britain earlier this month. 

The ice cream parlour was opened back in 1937 by an Italian family and has been run by them for more than 85 years.

Rossi's celebrated its 85th anniversary last summer and is owned by Fulvio Figliolini - also known as 'Figgy' - who is the third generation of his family to run the store.

Fulvio and his team make all their ice creams in-house using the same recipe that they used in 1937 using no artificial flavouring and as organic as possible, with their natural ice cream being their most popular item.

In fact, the sign and most of the interior haven’t changed since they first opened.

Fulvio’s daughter Aimee is already in line to take over the store as the fourth generation, and said it was 'amazing' to be recognised in The Times' list.

Rossi's has also finished respectfully in a similar list compiled by fellow national newspaper The Guardian.

The Times said: "A stalwart since 1937, Rossi’s is located on the Esplanade in Weymouth, overlooking The Times and Sunday Times beach of the year.

"It’s still owned and managed by the Figliolini family, with ice cream churned daily using the same, secret recipe.

"Pop in for sundaes, or get cones, milkshakes and ice-cream sandwiches to go from the front window. Made without any flavouring, natural ice cream is the must-try classic here."

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, Rossi's director Aimee said: "We are a bit overwhelmed. We just do what we love - serve people ice cream and make people happy, so to be recognised for that is amazing. 

"We just love that people are happy with us. We keep grounded, are a family-run business and keep that at the heart of everything that we do.

"If you wanted a cliche, we do everything with love."

Director Aimee added: "We have been here for 85 years and do not plan on going anywhere any time soon. We're definitely here to stay."

She said that the holiday season has been busy with tourists and regulars so far despite the unpredictable July weather.

Elsewhere in Weymouth, Bennett's Fish and Chips by the harbour came sixth on a list of the nation's favourites compiled by the Times and Sunday Times a few weeks ago. 

Nardini’s ice cream parlour, located in North Ayrshire in Scotland, came out on top in The Times' list.