Humphry Slocombe Is Bringing SF Ice Cream to Berkeley

Humphry Slocombe is expanding to Berkeley for the first time. Known for its unusual flavors like peanut butter curry and Secret Breakfast (bourbon and corn flakes), the San Francisco ice cream shop will take over the Elmwood space once occupied by Mary Canales’s revered Ici Ice Cream.

“We’re beyond humbled to have the opportunity to have this space in particular and promise to do our best to live up the legacy that comes along with it,” says co-founder Jake Godby in a statement.

Ici closed in November after 12 years in the neighborhood, which will continue to be rich with creative ice cream thanks to Humphry Slocombe. The space is almost guaranteed to still draw lines out the door given its tiny size. It will be Humphry’s second East Bay location following Oakland and fifth overall.

Given Berkeley’s culinary history — what with Chez Panisse and Californian cuisine and whatnot — Godby plans to incorporate locally sourced ingredients and partner with fellow Berkeley businesses for new flavors.

But first, Humphry Slocombe will host a series of pop-ups around Berkeley to meet its new neighbors, starting with a chocolate-themed event at Market Hall (1786 Fourth Street) on Saturday, February 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Expect to see a bright blue cart scooping salted caramel cocoa nib, peanut butter fudge ripple, cheesecake chocolate wafer, and malted milk chocolate ice creams.

No word on opening date yet, so stay tuned for more details.