Mr Whippy gets his wheels from West London

Ice cream historian seeks help from local buffs

Steve Tillyer, author of the 'Mr Whippy Story' is looking to local history buffs to help him in his quest to discover more about mobile ice cream pioneers, Mylos. 

Situated on Chiswick High Road, Mylos were very much involved in the launch of mobile soft ice cream into the UK back in 1959.  

“Pre 1959 there was no such thing as a soft ice cream machine fitted in a UK Ice cream van. Mylos owner Ernest Pacitto went to Italy (circa late 1958) and negotiated with the Carpigiani company to develop a mobile version of their machine for the soon to be launched Mr.Whippy fleet of vans.

“West London therefore played an important part in the 1959 launch of the new soft ice cream factories on wheels and is where the first London Mr.Whippy vans operated from.

“With Walls in Acton, Lyons Maid and Mister Softee in Hammersmith, (as well as a host of independents), it's easy to forget how important West London was within the ice cream industry.”

Extract from Mr Whippy Story

“I would be very interested to hear from anyone with information or visual material on Mylos.

"I looked everywhere for this picture (above right) when I was researching by book. Someone must have the original which would be great for my ever expanding pictorial archive.” says Steve

“I am also researching a well know Italian ice cream company from Acton (now closed) called Tony Brothers. Any leads here would also be much appreciated.”

Steve can be contacted via email at steve.tillyer@virgin.net

August 9, 2006