A swanky ice cream maker with a legion of followers has added a famous face to its fanbase.
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint surprised staff at Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium in Whistable when he popped in over the weekend.
The 36-year-old was visiting with his family and ordered a miso, banana, butterscotch pudding ice cream, a chocolate, peanut butter, popcorn crunch ice cream, and a “little bear” for the children.
Vera Thordardottir, co-founder of Bears alongside her husband Phil Harrison, said: “It was a very pleasant surprise. Our Bearcubs (staff) were very excited.
“Our kids were also thrilled since we have been reading the books and watching the movies with our youngest recently.
“It was a busy day, and the shop was very crowded. He then kindly agreed to let them take a picture of him in the shop.
“He was with his family. We are not sure why he was in town, but it was carnival day, so the town was buzzing.”
The couple say the actor is the first celebrity guest to visit the family-run business at its seaside branch.
Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium, which also has a shop in London, is known for its marvellous frozen creations and has even seen interest from people all around the world.
It has also recently announced the launch of a wholesale range to offer its artisan ice cream to speciality retailers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and leisure attractions.
It will include seven dairy and three plant-based flavour combinations – including brown butter popcorn; blueberry, lavender, jam and meringue swirl; and brownie, honeycomb, chocolate and caramel sauce.
Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium has won a host of accolades, including food producer of the year at the Kent and Medway Food and Drink Awards 2025.
One comment said: “Their ideas are so creative, and everyy flavour feels like something completely new and special.”
Another added: “Bears is an awesome place serving some of the best ice cream in the country.”
