FROM CONE TO COAST: ROSSI’S DISHES UP DORSET-INSPIRED DELIGHTS
As part of Portland & Weymouth’s year as Towns of Culture 2025, Weymouth institution Rossi’s Ices is launching a series of imaginative ice cream dishes celebrating local heritage, landmarks, and the community that has supported them for nearly 90 years.
The first of the new creations is the Nothe Cannon Bowl, a tribute to one of Weymouth’s most iconic landmarks, Nothe Fort. The dish features scoops of Rossi’s signature ice cream, artfully arranged to recreate the fort’s shape and topped with a playful wafer curl ‘cannon’. For owners Aimee and Ben, the Fort holds a special place in their hearts – it’s also where they were married.
Also on the menu is a Portland Bill Sundae, layering Rossi’s traditional natural ice cream with vibrant strawberry sauce and cherries to evoke the famous red-and-white lighthouse. A nod to the Jurassic Coast completes the design, giving locals and visitors alike a sweet way to celebrate their surroundings.
These limited-edition dishes mark the start of a seasonal series developed especially for the Towns of Culture celebrations. “We’ve always been inspired by Weymouth and Portland,” says Fulvio Figliolini, who has run Rossi’s since the late 1970s. “This place is in our blood – and this year, we wanted to show that through our flavours.”
“We really wanted to honour the landmarks that mean so much to us and our customers,” adds Aimee Figliolini, who works alongside her father Fulvio. “The Nothe Fort is special to us personally, but it also means a lot to the town. Creating these dishes has been a way to connect food, family and local heritage – and we’re excited to see what the community helps us come up with next!”
Rossi’s is also inviting the public to help design the next special dish. Locals and visitors can share their ideas in-store or via social media, with the winning concept being turned into a real menu item later this summer.
Founded in 1937 by Fioravanti Figliolini, Rossi’s has become a staple of Weymouth’s seafront, famous for its family recipes and creative flavours. Now run by third-generation owner Fulvio and soon to pass to his daughter Aimee, the parlour remains a cherished part of the town’s story.
From cannon-topped sundaes to edible lighthouses, Rossi’s is scooping local history into every dish.
Cllr Alex Fuhrmann (Weymouth Town Council) said: “It’s fantastic to see Rossi’s – a true Weymouth gem – celebrating local landmarks and culture with such creativity and joy. These dishes are a perfect example of what Towns of Culture is all about: local pride, artistic flair, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see what flavour the public dreams up next and I can’t wait to taste it!”.
REVEAL – A Year of Culture, Connection and Celebration
From traditional crafts to contemporary performance, REVEAL is unearthing the talent and stories that make Portland and Weymouth special. Reveal – Portland and Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 is a partnership between 12 cultural organisations from Portland and Weymouth and is funded by Portland Town Council, Weymouth Town Council, and Arts Council England. It aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in cultural life.
To see more information on Towns of Culture 2025, please see: https://www.portlandweymouthculture.com/
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