Redcar’s Lemon Top & Knickerbocker Glory: local delicacies that most of the UK haven’t even heard of

Redcar, a charming seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast, holds many delights, but perhaps none so iconic as its local ice cream delicacies: the Lemon Top and the Knickerbocker Glory.

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

These treats are not just desserts; they are a taste of nostalgia, a symbol of sunny days by the sea, and a testament to Redcar’s unique culinary identity.

Yet, surprisingly, many people outside the region remain unaware of these sweet treasures.

The Lemon Top was invented by brothers Giacomo and Guiseppi Pacitto who moved to the UK in the 1890s and established their ice cream business in Redcar in the 1920s.

It was created at the Redcar Pacitto shop on the Esplanade in 1924.

The shop is still a family business, operated by Mike and George Pacitto.

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

The Lemon Top is a soft serve ice cream, crowned with a tangy lemon sorbet, creating a delightful contrast of creamy sweetness and citrusy zest.

The shop is considered a Redcar institution, with the Lemon Top winning high praise, including the top spot in the Seaside Heritage Network’s 2025 Bucket and Spade List.

How can it be a trip to the Redcar seaside without grabbing a Lemon Top?

Maria Cooper, 37, care worker, said: “I’ve been coming to Redcar for Lemon Tops since I was kid.

Now I bring my own children, and they love it just as much, it’s a family tradition."

The Knickerbocker Glory, on the other hand, is a towering sundae served in a tall glass which is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Image Credit: Melissa Wade

Layers of ice cream, fruit, whipped cream, and sauces create a symphony of flavours and textures.

Originally from the US in the 1900s, named after the Dutch settlers in New York (‘knickerbockers’), it was a popular American treat brought to Britain when the Pacitto family introduced the elaborate, layered dessert.

The Redcar establishment played a crucial role in making it a beloved British seaside staple and synonymous with seaside indulgence.

An employee at Pacitto said: “We get people visiting Redcar from all over, and the first thing they ask for is a lemon top.

“It’s a real icon of our town, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Despite their premium price, Redcar’s Lemon Top and Knickerbocker Glory remain irresistible, offering an experience worth every penny.

While these desserts may not be known worldwide, in Redcar, they represent a sweet legacy that locals cherish and continue to enjoy, keeping the flavours of their history alive, one scoop at a time.