Patti's and Cream is a boutique, small batch, handmade ice cream producer, locally owned and operated in Dunedin, and with a diner on George Street’s Knox Row. We asked owner Olive Tabor a few questions about her business.

Where are you from originally?

Born in Christchurch, left when I was 3yrs old for the UK and came back when I was 20!

How did you choose Dunedin?

It was the University that would let me do commerce and PE!!

Why did you decide to make ice cream ?

I thought there was a weird gap in the hospitality market. Even though we had everything to make a stunning product, no one was doing it down south.

You started with the truck and now you have expanded. Have there been any challenges along the way?

The main challenges have been financially – how do we get funding to grow? Will the bank back us? Can we show the numbers work? Which is the best direction to head in – direct/retail/wholesale etc.

Are there favourite flavours?

In order…Mint Choc, then Kūkū Coffee & Cream, then I love the Double Fold Vanilla!!

Do you dream up these flavours yourself?

All inspiration is borrowed! I mash together lots of ideas that I see other ice cream people doing around the world. But then sometimes I have a good idea while I’m getting my hair cut!

Any people who inspire you?

So many, anyone that is a polymath – I love people that have multiple talents! John Z Robertson, John Campbell, Carrie Brownstein, Patti Smith, Kathryn Ryan, Samuel T Herring, Killer Mike, Nick Cave, Jessie Ware, Jeni Briton-Bauer, Richard Branson. I could go on!!

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?

John Campbell. We could talk about all the music we love – we have a mutual love of Sharon van Etten. I would like to ask him about all the people he has interviewed over the years.

What do you do to relax when you’re not making ice cream?

I listen to a lot of Radio New Zealand, podcasts, read The Spinoff. I love going and getting good coffee and chatting with friends.

What is the best thing about Dunedin?

People are kind and interested in the city. People who live here are proud – we rate Dunedin and are happy to bang on about it to anyone that will listen. I’m lucky I chose to stay and wouldn’t want to live in any other city in New Zealand.