A popular dessert spot at Hillary Boat Harbour has left Perth sweet-treat lovers heartbroken after announcing their closure.
The Milk Barrel is an acclaimed gelato store at Sorrento Quay known for their range of handcrafted artisinal gelati.
Founder Cheryl Lim made headlines after opening the business in 2018, revealing she had quit her accounting career to study gelato making and open the dessert hot spot in Hillarys.
Perth foodies have sung praise for the store in the years since, with unique flavours like pavlova and matcha cementing them as a ‘must-visit’ place.
After eight years of success, the Hillarys store left customers devastated when they announced their closure on social media on Friday.
“Unfortunately, our time has come to an end at Shop 100B,” the dessert hotspot began their statement.
“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your incredible support, loyalty, kindness, and love for The Milk Barrel over the years.
Camera IconThe eatery has become a staple in Sorrento Quay. Credit: Milk Barrel/Facebook
“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.
‘From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support has meant more than you’ll ever know.”
The store teased that while this chapter may be drawing to a close, the team behind the popular eatery is working on “new ventures behind the scenes”.
The sad closure news comes just one year after the gelateria was crowned as the leading ice creamery in the City of Joondalup by the Quality Business Awards.
Camera IconCheryl Lim from the Milk Barrel at Sorrento Quay. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian
The Hillarys store also won big at the 2025 Perth Royal Dairy Awards, with their gelato taking home four golds.
Residents across Perth were quick to voice their sadness over the sudden closure.
“My weekend is ruined,” one customer said.
“Devastated . . . just tried your gelato for the first time recently and it was the best in Perth,” another local lamented.
“So sorry to hear this chapter has closed, wishing you the best of luck in the future,” a third Perth resident wrote.
It is just the latest in a string of Perth businesses shutting their doors in 2026, following the closures of Pitcher & Iron and Volare Bar.
PerthNow has contacted the Milk Barrel for comment.