After 43 years of spreading smiles and scooping treats, Paul Watkins is retiring from his cherished role as Bath’s iconic ice cream man. For over four decades, Paul has been a familiar and friendly figure at Royal Victoria Park, known not just for his delicious ice cream but also for his warm conversations, quick wit, and unforgettable impressions.
Paul’s journey began in the summer of 1975 when, as a young boy, he helped his cousin Steve sell ice cream from a yellow-and-white Walls van throughout Bath. From Weston and Twerton to Odd Down and Combe Down, he learned the trade during weekends and school breaks. Once he finished school in 1983, Paul made ice cream selling his full-time calling, setting up shop at the children’s play area in Royal Victoria Park—a place he has proudly served ever since, except for a brief hiatus due to a back operation.
Over the years, Paul has become a beloved local legend, charming children and adults alike with his joyful demeanor and spot-on impressions of characters like Mr. Bean, Alan Partridge, and Vicky Pollard. Beyond the ice cream van, Paul and his family ran the park’s catering kiosk, bouncy castle, and merry-go-round from 1990 to 2015, creating a family legacy that many Bath residents cherish.
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Quality has always been at the heart of Paul’s service. His vans have used premium soft ice cream mix from Tarrs of Brislington, earning multiple accolades including the title of Best Soft Ice Cream in the UK. Notably, his current van, purchased in 1995, was a pioneer in using mains electricity to power its equipment, leading the way in innovation.
Paul’s ties to Bath run deep. His father, Johnny Watkins, was a professional footballer, and Paul’s ice cream stall has even attracted famous visitors such as Nicolas Cage, Leslie Crowther, Kris Marshall, and a Middle Eastern princess. Reflecting on his career, Paul fondly recalls the heyday of the 1980s and early 1990s before changes in Sunday trading laws and the rise of smartphones altered the park’s atmosphere.
As Paul steps away from the van, he says he will miss the joyful faces of children, loyal customers, and even the cheeky visits from Sally the Seagull, known for stealing sandwiches from picnickers. After over four decades dedicated to making summer days sweeter, Paul is ready to enjoy weekends off and embrace the next chapter in life.