Chin Chin Labs in Camden Market is my next stop on a warm autumn visit to London’s markets. After looking around the food at KERB, I head into the next yard for an ice cream made to order with liquid nitrogen. I have been here before, and the combination of the laboratory-like shop and the finished dessert brings me back.
From the Roberts London archive: this film was first published on 4 November 2016. The menu, surroundings and comments below belong to that visit.
Finding Chin Chin Labs in Camden Market
In the film, I make a small but useful distinction: Chin Chin Labs is in one of the permanent shops, just beyond the KERB food area. It is a separate stop from the street-food set-up I have just been exploring.
The route takes me through the busy market passages, past shoppers and stalls, to the sign outside. Camden provides plenty of distractions, but this time I already know what I want. Although it is autumn, I describe the weather as warm enough for an ice cream.
Liquid nitrogen ice cream, made to order
Inside, I compare the shop to a chemistry set. There are mixers and large nitrogen tanks, and I describe the clouds that emerge as each order is frozen. Watching the preparation is part of the appeal of Chin Chin Labs.
The footage takes a look across the red counter and at the menus. Meanwhile, my commentary explains what makes the process feel different from simply choosing a scoop from a display. The ice cream is frozen for the order, in front of the customer.
The flavours and toppings on this visit
During the 2016 visit, I mention chocolate and vanilla alongside daily specials, followed by a choice of toppings. There are several ways to have the ice cream: in a cup, in a cone, or sandwiched between two cookies.
I choose vanilla with hazelnut crunch. Later, while walking through the market, I return to the cookie sandwich idea: two cookies with freshly frozen ice cream in the middle and a topping of your choice. It looks popular, although it is not the option I try in this film.
Vanilla ice cream with hazelnut crunch
With my cup in hand, I head back outside and try it as I walk. The first reaction is a simple one: it is good. I then taste the hazelnut crunch as well. This is an informal review on the move, with the market still busy around me.
I also mention the coffee, which I remember favourably, and the pleasure of seeing the ice cream made. The visit is short, but it captures why I returned: something interesting to watch and an ice cream I enjoy eating.
Watch the original Camden visit
The film finishes with a walk out through Camden and a reminder of how much there is to explore. I mention other market stalls, food stops and pubs, as well as development happening nearby at the time. Those passing views are part of the value of this 2016 record.
Watch the original visit below, or browse more Roberts London food and drink stories.
