Darlish

About Darlish

Darlish specialises in Persian-inspired ice cream and desserts, combining distinctive flavours such as saffron and rose with a boutique parlour experience. Founded by Laura Dawson, the brand has operated in Hatfield, St Albans, Harpenden and Spitalfields, as well as temporary locations including Covent Garden, Selfridges and Bicester Village. Its products have also been sold through Waitrose. The Harpenden parlour closed, and in January 2026 the company announced plans for new London locations in Notting Hill and Bloomsbury; their opening status requires confirmation. Darlish is seeking single- and multi-unit franchise partners in the UK and potentially overseas. Its franchise package includes access to its product range, parlour design and set-up assistance, training, launch support and ongoing help with staffing, operations and marketing. The quoted investment range is £20,000–£50,000, with inclusions not specified.

Why franchise with Darlish

• ✓Offer distinctive Persian-inspired ice creams and desserts featuring saffron, rose and other flavours.
• ✓Join a boutique dessert brand with experience in high streets, pop-ups and premium retail settings.
• ✓Gain exclusive franchise access to Darlish products and its established boutique brand identity.
• ✓Receive assistance with parlour design, store set-up, product training and opening-day support.
• ✓Access continuing guidance on staffing, daily operations and marketing as your business develops.
• ✓Explore single- or multi-unit opportunities as Darlish seeks partners across the UK and beyond.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£20,000
Maximum investment	£50,000
Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Darlish seeks locations suitable for boutique ice cream parlours and offers franchisees help with store design and set-up. Its history includes high-street shops and temporary outlets in premium retail destinations, but these do not establish formal site criteria. The supplied profile gives no minimum floor area, frontage, extraction, seating, planning-use or lease requirements. Prospective partners should confirm acceptable locations, formats and fit-out costs with the brand.

Training and support

Darlish provides product training, operational guidance and support during the launch of a new parlour. Franchisees receive help with store design and set-up, plus assistance on opening day. Ongoing guidance covers staffing, day-to-day operations and marketing. The supplied profile does not specify the length or location of initial training, the number of staff trained, the frequency of follow-up visits or whether a dedicated franchise manager is assigned.

Operational requirements

Darlish franchisees operate boutique parlours selling Persian-inspired ice cream and sweet treats, including saffron- and rose-flavoured products. Franchisees receive access to the brand’s product range, training and operational guidance, alongside support with staffing and marketing. The supplied profile does not specify minimum staffing levels, opening hours, delivery requirements, equipment lists, approved suppliers or whether owners must work in their shops personally.

Experience required

Darlish is inviting passionate entrepreneurs to develop single or multiple boutique parlours in the UK and potentially overseas. Applicants should be prepared to manage customer service, staffing and day-to-day operations while following the brand’s product and presentation standards. Training and ongoing guidance are offered. The supplied profile does not specify mandatory hospitality experience, minimum net worth, liquid capital requirements or an owner-operator obligation.

Territory availability