The best dessert chains in the UK include Kaspa’s and Creams, both known for waffles, sundaes and milkshakes, with typical desserts priced £7 to £15. Both chains focus on generous, shareable portions built for indulgence. Here’s how the UK’s main dessert parlour chains compare.
Best dessert chains UK at a glance
| Best overall | Kaspa’s / Creams |
|---|---|
| Typical waffle / sundae price | £7 to £15 |
| Cheapest option | Milkshakes and gelato scoops |
| Best for sharing | Giant sundaes |
| Last updated | July 2026 |
How UK dessert chains compare
Kaspa’s and Creams are the two biggest dedicated dessert parlour chains in the UK, both serving waffles, crepes, sundaes and milkshakes in colourful, late-opening venues. See our Kaspa’s menu prices page for full details. Pricing between the two is broadly similar, with giant sharing sundaes at the premium end and simpler waffles or milkshakes at the more affordable end. Beyond dedicated dessert chains, many restaurant chains also offer a dessert menu, though dedicated dessert parlours generally offer a wider and more indulgent range.
How to save at dessert chains
Sharing a giant sundae between two or three people rather than each ordering a separate dessert is both more sociable and better value given the large portions. Sticking to a milkshake or a scoop of gelato rather than a loaded waffle or premium crepe keeps the price toward the lower end. Both major chains run occasional app-based offers, so checking before you visit is worth doing, particularly around exam season and school holidays when they’re popular with younger customers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dessert chain in the UK?
Kaspa’s and Creams are the two leading dedicated dessert parlour chains, both offering a similar range and pricing.
How much do desserts cost at UK dessert chains?
Typically £7 to £15, with milkshakes and gelato at the cheaper end and giant sharing sundaes at the top.
Are dessert chain portions meant for sharing?
Giant sundaes especially are designed for sharing between two or three people rather than eating solo.
Do dessert chains have loyalty apps?
Some run occasional app-based offers, so it’s worth checking before you visit if you go regularly.
Why UK dessert parlour chains grew so quickly
Kaspa’s and Creams both emerged in the early 2010s, part of a wider trend of dedicated dessert destinations growing on UK high streets around the same time, often filling units that had previously housed other retail businesses on struggling high streets. Their bright, photogenic interiors coincided with the rise of social media food photography, and that visual appeal became part of both brands’ marketing, whether or not it was originally intentional. Both chains expanded rapidly through franchising, which let them scale faster than a company-owned model alone would have allowed.
Choosing between dessert chains for different occasions
For a big celebration or group treat, the giant sharing sundaes at either Kaspa’s or Creams work well, since portions are designed to be split across a table. For a quick solo treat, sticking to a milkshake or a smaller waffle keeps the visit fast and the portion manageable rather than committing to a large sundae alone. Because both chains often stay open late, they’re a popular stop after a cinema trip or evening out, worth keeping in mind if you want dessert later in the evening rather than earlier.
More frequently asked questions
Why did dessert parlour chains grow so fast in the UK?
They filled a gap for a dedicated dessert destination and benefited from social media food photography trends, while franchising let them expand quickly.
Are dessert chains open late?
Many branches of Kaspa’s and Creams stay open into the evening, making them popular after a cinema trip or night out.
Ordering ahead versus visiting in person
Most of the chains covered here now offer app-based ordering, worth using if you want to check current pricing and any available deals before committing to a specific choice. Ordering ahead for collection generally means a faster visit than walking in and waiting, particularly during a typically busy period like a weekend lunchtime. Checking each chain’s app for loyalty points or rewards, where available, is worth doing if you expect to become a repeat customer of whichever option you choose.
Group visits across these chains
Larger groups should check each chain’s group booking policy before deciding, since some are better set up for bigger tables than others, particularly at busier times. Checking whether a specific chain offers a set menu for groups, which can simplify both service and the bill, is worth doing for a larger gathering. Comparing total cost for your specific group size, rather than headline per-item pricing alone, gives the most accurate picture of which option works out best value.
Can I order ahead at these chains?
Most now offer app-based ordering, worth using to check current pricing and deals before committing to a specific choice.
Are these chains suited to larger groups?
It varies, worth checking each chain’s group booking policy directly, particularly for a bigger table at a busier time.