An Italian ice cream parlour will be offering free tastings in the run-up to its official opening.

Florentine gelato chain Badiani will be launching its newest shop in South End Road, opposite Hampstead Heath overground station, on Friday, June 7. 

But customers who register will be able to sample ice creams, sorbets and other goods in the days after it first opens on Tuesday, June 4.

On June 4, people can enjoy a choice of free coffee, affogato - ice cream served with espresso - or a smoothie from 12pm to 4pm.

The next day, tastings of free gelato crepes, gelato croissants or gelato burgers, will be on offer from 12pm to 6pm.

Ham & High: Badiani offers 16 gelato flavours including vegan options and sorbets for all palatesBadiani offers 16 gelato flavours including vegan options and sorbets for all palates (Image: Badiani)

And on June 6 there will be a chance to try gelato from 12pm to 6pm.

Anyone who wants to try the foods should first register at https://badiani-hampstead.eventbrite.co.uk 

A Badiani spokesperson said: "This beautifully designed shop, decked out in vibrant blue and pink, is the perfect destination for anyone looking for the finest gelato treats just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath.

"Seating up to 25 people, it’s a great pit stop for a break between shopping or exploring the area.

"Badiani has long been renowned as one of the world’s finest gelato makers, and has been serving some of the finest, creamiest and most delicious gelato in the world for over 90 years."

Ham & High: Cup or cone?Cup or cone? (Image: Badiani)

The new Badiani shop will be the firm's the 15th in the UK.

On entering the new store, formerly Polly's Tea Room, customers will have more than 16 flavours of gelato to choose from, as well as a range of vegan creations including dark chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and mango sorbets.

Ham & High: The counter at Badiani's store in Covent GardenThe counter at Badiani's store in Covent Garden (Image: Badiani)

Badiani said the "star of the menu" is their new signature coppa gelato, a twist on the traditional sundae, with three scoops of gelato, a choice of sauce and a wafer. Popular in Florence, the coppa has not been available at its UK stores until now. 

The most popular flavour is the Buontalenti, which originated in the 1960s and is named after Bernardo Buontalenti, the Florentine inventor of gelato. It is made with only four ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, and eggs.

Ham & High: Pistachio gelato cake available at Badiani, soon to open in South End GreenPistachio gelato cake available at Badiani, soon to open in South End Green (Image: Badiani)