Holdens Ice Cream

The Family Secret

Holden’s … ice cream … Edgworth … many people would argue that they all mean the same thing really.

The village has become inseparable from the homemade ice cream which, to this day, is still made on the premises to a mysterious secret family recipe.

It ranks high as a local Bolton area product … and it’s now part of the Zest family.

Holden’s ice cream was first produced in the 1930’s by Mary and John Holden who made it at their village shop in Blackburn Road, Edgworth on the outskirts of Bolton. They also sold it at local fetes – in the days before refrigeration when it had to be packed in sawdust to stop it thawing.

The recipe has been passed down ever since – but only to selected family members. Now, for the first time, it leaves the family … and goes to Zest owner, Richard Cort, godson of Mary and Jack’s eldest daughter, Marion. It was her brother, Jack, who ran the business for many of its more recent years.

“As a child,” says Richard, “I vividly remember being taken to Holden’s for a cornet – even though we lived on the other side of town. I’ve eaten it ever since … so I jumped at the chance to own the legendary brand.”

Richard is determined to maintain the main traditions – even though he may break with a few minor ones by introducing new flavours. But that’s where modernisation will end – there will be no other changes to an institution that has become synonymous with Edgworth for the past 80 years.

But the opening hours of the shop will be extended – seven days a week with no closure at lunchtime:

Prices start at 90p for a regular cornet up to £4.95 for a one litre tub.

For further information on Holdens Ice Cream please email holdensicecream@zestfinefood.co.uk