A slice of life

We discover Slice, a woodland tearoom hideaway that is sure to set hungry tummies rumbling.

In fact, this is so much more than just a tearoom. Set within a sculpture garden, complete with tranquil lake and wooden lodge, Slice offers an eating experience that brings the outside in. The tearoom itself is a chalet style building with a lovely veranda where on warm days you can enjoy coffee and cake on the deck, overlooking the grounds. Inside, the space is intimate but laid back, warmed by a roaring wood burner on cold days. It was on such a day, with snow still on the ground, that we visited for a family lunch. With its out-of-town location, I was expecting it to be quite quiet in early March. How wrong could I be – luckily we had booked a table as the place was buzzing – this is clearly a go-to café destination for ladies (and gents) who lunch!

“…luckily we had booked a table as the place was buzzing”

The menu is carefully chosen, perfectly formed and changes with the seasons. I was tempted by the mouth watering selection of stone baked flat breads but finally opted for the soup of the day – a steaming bowl of fresh vegetable heaven, served with chunky slices of sourdough toast. The boys opt for burgers. Small boy goes traditional with chunky Helford beef, while hubby tackles the Stormy Seas, a smoked haddock and cheddar fishcake, both encased in a brioche bun and served with ‘raw slaw’ and shoestring fries. Now, my boys are somewhat authorities when it comes to burgers and they declare these to be amongst Cornwall’s finest. Small girl goes traditional and has a ‘cheeky ones’ lunch of fish fingers and fries – all of which is devoured hungrily.

The portions are generous so sadly we don’t have room for pudding but the small ones enjoy the most wonderful hot chocolate, served in a mug nearly as big as themselves! We walk off our lunch with a stroll around the gardens and the promise that we will be back very soon to sample Slice’s breakfast and brunch menu, with a third trip planned for coffee, cake and cream teas.