Coventry friends transform 1972 Citroën van into ice cream truck and say 'amazing'

[dutchman]

James Armstrong and Michael O'Hagan launched Nice Cream With Mirabelle in April



Two Coventry friends who transformed a 1972 Citroën van into an ice cream truck said their quirky idea has 'taken off more than they expected.' James Armstrong and Michael O'Hagan will be taking their eye-catching van on the road this weekend for the Godiva Festival.

Pals James and Michael launched Nice Cream With Mirabelle in April. Tucked away in the picturesque surroundings of Coventry Cathedral is the Citroën, from where they sell luxury ice cream supplied by Noels of Warwickshire.

James has known Michael for 15 years and they have an existing business in the city called Knights Events Crew, which is based at the Coventry Canal Basin. But they have thrown themselves into the world of ice cream, which James said he is really enjoying.

Speaking to CoventryLive, James, 43, said: “I love it! You meet lots of different characters. We know a lot of people in Coventry anyway, but you see a lot of tourists, more than I ever knew. You feel a part of the family when you are inside here.”

Nice Cream With Mirabelle draws its inspiration from the iconic Citroën H Van from which the mouthwatering treats are served. Manufactured in France in 1972 and originally registered in Loire-Atlantique, the van has since been 'lovingly' restored.

James said: “Wherever you go, it is turning heads. You could be sitting next to a brand-new Ferrari, and everyone is looking at yours, so it is good.”

Gelato is the main offering and is supplied by Caldecote-based supplier Noels of Warwickshire, which also supplies top-rated eatery San Giovanni. James said: “It is literally the best stuff you will ever try.”

When asked how the ice cream business has been going, James said: “Great! It was slow at the start because we are not from this industry, but then once you start putting two and two together and everything, you start to learn, and now it is just a breeze, and the people are absolutely amazing. It has gone down a storm.”

He added: “It seems to have taken off more than we expected. I have not heard anything negative, it is all just people saying it is the best they have tried.”

James is looking forward to taking Mirabelle to the Godiva Festival at War Memorial Park this weekend. He said: “When the sun is out, you are selling all day long.”

[rebbonk]

Those old Citroen vans are very adaptable. Good luck to the lads.