Gran Sorvete: A Beautiful Gelato Shop in Vilamoura

London-born and raised, John Beeby moved to Vilamoura for the lifestyle, the weather, and the opportunities the Algarve offers. But while settling into life by the marina, he felt something was missing — exceptional artisan ice cream.

With a mix of London influence and Italian inspiration, he created Gran Sorvete, bringing handmade gelato to one of Europe’s most beautiful marinas. “Many cultures have their specialities, but when it comes to gelato, the Italians simply do it best. When produced in the traditional way, with years of expertise and the finest ingredients, there’s nothing else like it. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel — I wanted to honour it.”

We spoke with John about the inspiration behind Gran Sorvete, his journey from personal trainer to business owner, the challenges and rewards of running a business in the Algarve, and what makes life in this region so special.

How did you find your supplier in Italy, and how does transport to Portugal work?

Honestly, it wasn’t easy — and that’s exactly the point. So many suppliers have moved away from traditional craftsmanship, scaling down to industrial-grade gelato for export. It’s a real shame. But having travelled extensively throughout Italy over the years, I was fortunate enough to discover a truly authentic local producer — one still rooted in the old traditions, crafting gelato the way it was always meant to be made. That level of quality is increasingly rare, and it’s what sets Gran Sorvete apart. As for logistics, we work with a dedicated cold-chain transport solution that ensures the product arrives in perfect condition, from its production facility to the Algarve.

What made you choose Vilamoura Marina specifically?

The Marina felt like the perfect fit for the quality and concept. Working with Vilamoura World gave me the opportunity to bring it to life, and with their support, we’ve not only brought a quality product to Portugal but also a level of service that guests genuinely remember. The Algarve lifestyle is a perfect fit for both business and pleasure. The pace, the sunshine, the people — it all feeds into the experience we create at the shop. I’m British through and through, but you can’t help but fall in love with this beautiful country. The lifestyle, the exceptional food, the safety, the warmth of the people. It gets under your skin in the best possible way.

What ice cream flavours do you have, and what’s your favourite?

We have a wonderful range of high-quality artisan flavours at Gran Sorvete. Among our signatures, we’re particularly proud of our Pistachio — made with premium-grade nuts for that deep, authentic flavour. Our Strawberry Cheesecake is a real crowd-pleaser, and personally, I have a soft spot for the Salted Caramel — that perfect balance of sweet and savoury is hard to beat. For the summer months, we also offer beautifully refreshing sorbets: Mango, Raspberry, and Lemon — light, vibrant, and perfect for the Algarve heat.

How is working in a tourist-heavy area different from elsewhere?

It’s a real challenge — both operationally and in terms of high-demand service. Recruitment isn’t easy, but the training we invest in and the loyalty we’ve built with the team over time have been incredible. We have a brilliant team this year who deliver friendly, efficient service every single day.

What did you do before opening Gran Sorvete?

Before Gran Sorvete, I worked full-time as a personal trainer to rock legend Francis Rossi of Status Quo.

What challenges did you face starting here?

Where do I begin! Portugal can be an incredibly frustrating country to operate in — the bureaucracy and lack of automated systems make running a business harder than it needs to be. It’s improved enormously, but there’s still some way to go. Thankfully, having the backing of Vilamoura World — and now their parent company, Arrow Global — gives us a clear path and real support for business development.

What motivates you daily as a business owner?

Simply seeing people happy. Having a workplace that’s genuinely enjoyable for everyone — staff and customers alike. We have so much fun with locals and tourists that it’s become a real differentiator for us.

Your shop is known for its beautiful floral exterior — where did that idea come from?

In London, this isn’t new — floral design in retail has been around for over twenty years. I was initially inspired by El&n Café on Park Lane, which was among the first to do it really well. The shop has gone through many iterations over the years, but this version feels right — the style now truly suits the location.

The flowers are a perfect reflection of the product's elegance and quality. Beauty on the outside, exceptional on the inside — that’s the whole idea.

Does your personal background influence the flavours or concept?

Absolutely. We’ve experimented with dozens of flavours over the years and love introducing something new each season. The constraint is real, though — with only 24 flavours in the cabinet at any one time, every choice matters. Maybe the next shop can be bigger, and we can push that further!

What part of your personality is reflected in the shop’s design and vibe?

I think it reflects my belief that quality should never feel stuffy. I’ve always wanted Gran Sorvete to feel welcoming and warm — somewhere you genuinely want to spend time, not just pass through. The attention to detail, the care in the design — that’s just how I approach everything I do. The brand is colourful and playful because gelato should make you smile before you even taste it! Colour is joy — and joy is exactly what we’re selling. It also reflects the energy of the Marina, the sunshine, and the people who visit us. Life in Vilamoura is vibrant, and the brand should be too.

Do you have favourite places in Vilamoura or nearby?

Quinta do Lago is a personal favourite — great restaurants, wonderful coffee spots, and a beautiful environment to recharge. When you’re running a business at the Marina all summer, having somewhere that's calm and refined nearby is a real luxury. Outside of that, I stay active, keep connected to sport, and try to make the most of everything this region has to offer.