The Milk Barrel, a popular gelato store at Sorrento Quay in Hillarys Boat Harbour, has announced its closure after eight years of operation, leaving Perth sweet tooths heartbroken.
Closure Announcement on Social Media
The acclaimed dessert spot, known for its handcrafted artisanal gelati, shared the news on social media on Friday, stating: “Unfortunately, our time has come to an end at Shop 100B.” The statement thanked customers for their “incredible support, loyalty, kindness, and love” over the years.
Founder Cheryl Lim, who left her accounting career to study gelato making and opened the store in 2018, expressed gratitude: “We are forever grateful for the memories we’ve shared and the wonderful community we’ve been lucky enough to be a part of. Quite simply, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Award-Winning Gelato
The Milk Barrel gained a loyal following for unique flavours such as pavlova and matcha. Just a year before closing, it was named the leading ice creamery in the City of Joondalup by the Quality Business Awards. In 2025, the store also won four gold medals at the Perth Royal Dairy Awards.
Customers voiced their sadness online, with one saying, “My weekend is ruined,” and another lamenting, “Devastated… just tried your gelato for the first time recently and it was the best in Perth.”
Future Ventures Teased
The closure is the latest in a string of Perth business shutdowns in 2026, following Pitcher & Iron and Volare Bar. However, the Milk Barrel team hinted at “new ventures behind the scenes,” though no details have been revealed. PerthNow has contacted the store for further comment.
