Over its near 15-year lifespan, Lick! Ice Cream has cultivated a reputation as one of Brisbane’s best homegrown dessert operations. Since its humble beginnings as a custom ice-cream wholesaler to fine-dining restaurants, the brand has flourished into a local institution and a popular fixture at the Ekka – courtesy of its now-iconic strawberry sundaes. It’s a rich lineage that Kim Douglas is looking to preserve. Kim is part of Lick! Ice Cream’s new ownership team, which took over the business from founders Grant and Carina Lew roughly 15 months ago. A seamless six-month transition period went largely unnoticed by the general public, with the absence of any drop in quality solid proof of the desire to maintain Lick’s reputation. The ice-creamery retained its chef team, substantial recipe catalogue (including a database of more than 2000 flavours), custom ice-cream clientele, focus on locally sourced ingredients and its underlying community-focused ethos, only now electing to expand its bricks-and-mortar portfolio with a brand-new store in Paddington.

The colourful Paddington Central-based ice-creamery is similar to its sibling locations in Graceville and Morningside – a gleaming freezer houses a bounty of ice-cream flavours, alongside a separate fridge where take-home tubs tempt those who only popped in for “just a scoop”. Lick’s famed core range is available, with more than 30 mainstays and two rotating specials on deck at any one time. Tantalising flavours range from staples such as pistachio, peppermint choc chip and couverture dark chocolate to salted caramel, cookies and cream, and hokey pokey, as well as an assortment of sorbets and vegan-friendly options. Although Lick’s Ekka strawberry sundae recipe is kept under lock and key until the show comes back to town, a different strawberry ice-cream recipe offers a tasty alternative. In addition to the cones and cups, Lick’s Paddington store also sells thick shakes, sundaes and the beloved doffles (that’s a doughnut and waffle hybrid). Although designed as a takeaway-friendly outlet, the store offers a smattering of seats inside and out – perfect for enjoying a post-dinner treat.

Good news for ice-cream fans across Brisbane – Kim and the Lick! team are eyeing more locations for future expansion, securing a larger production kitchen to help facilitate further growth to suburbs crying out for a quality ice-creamery to call their own. The brand is also boosting its wholesale operations, with takeaway tubs now available in select IGAs and boutique grocers. If you’re eager to savour the sweetness at the source, you can find operating hours and contact details for Lick! Ice Cream in Paddington via the Stumble Guide.