IT all began in a van

Four years on and Ginger’s Comfort Emporium is set to bring its “exotic flavours, tightly bundled together, no sloppiness or sickly aftertaste” into Afflecks.

That was a quote from Confidential editor Jonathan Schofield back in 2010 by the way. He’s not the only one who appreciates a food project pursued out of love and done very well, it would seem.

Most of our customers won’t have been in Afflecks Palace since that time they got their belly button pierced, or were buying day-glo rave gear.

PinkiesPinkiesFollowing an extremely successful summer, owner Claire Kelsey will take up the space previously occupied by Pinkies diner. Having already had a winter pop-up open on the second floor of Afflecks since the beginning of November, it made sense to for Ginger’s to be next in-line to the first floor throne.

Launching to the public on Sunday 24 November Ginger’s will be serving hot and cold ice cream dishes, retail pots, copies of their ice cream book Melt and limited edition Ginger’s Comfort Emporium ice cream spoons.

Popular classics such as the Chorlton Crack (salted caramel and peanut butter) will sit alongside a new winter collection including white truffle and hazelnut, liquorice and orange, cranberry crumble, a Brewdog Beer collaboration and the dish that scooped Best Dessert for a third year at the British Street Food Awards 2013 – Extra virgin olive oil ice cream with Hawaiian black salt, strawberry sauce, and black olive chocolate ‘flake’.

Hot options include affogatos with coffee or hot chocolate, and hot toasted brioche ice cream sandwiches. A new milkshake range offers specials like Margarita, with lime granita and chocolate dipped cherries.

Ginger's Comfort EmporiumGinger's Comfort Emporium

Owners Claire Kelsey and Dan Manicolo said: “We want ice cream lovers to have a beautiful and cosy place to come and enjoy our flavours over winter. Most of our customers won’t have been in Afflecks Palace since that time they got their belly button pierced, or were buying day-glo rave gear. So we need to show them Afflecks has grown up with them. ”

Visit www.gingerscomfortemporium.com

Ginger’s Comfort Emporium

First floor Afflecks Palace

52 Church Street

10am-6pm, Monday-Sunday