I think it is safe to say that there is no where quite like Miss Molly’s Tearoom. You will find it just outside the town of Camborne in a house called The Old College. This 200 years old building is now a fantastic wonderland of antique, vintage and retro bric-a-brac. Nestled amongst the hat stands and old typewriters is Miss Molly’s, an absolute gem of a tearoom!
So much to Discover
It was a bit of a mizzly old day and a friend and I were looking for somewhere that we could go for a cream tea. I had read about Miss Molly’s and suggested we take a chance. Miraculously I managed to navigate us there down what seemed like endlessly backroads from Helston. We arrived in deepest darkest mining county and somewhere completely unexpected.
In the distant past this impressive building was the count house for Dolcoath Mine and once belonged to one of Cornwall’s most powerful families, the Bassetts. Most mines of any size had a count (account) house which acted as an office for the managerial staff and it was from here that the miners were paid. As a rule count houses tended to be grander and sturdier than the surroundings buildings, both as a show of wealth but also to impress and reassure investors.
The owner, Rosemary Johnson has done a wonderful job of preserving this historical building and it is now filled to the rafters, positively bursting, with antiques and collectables.
A Maze of Rooms Awaits you
This higgle-de-piggledee maze of rooms, one doorway after another and another, over two floors is dizzying, so a cup of tea, after having a good old rummage, was very welcome.
Miss Molly’s tearoom is like taking a step back in time. The old furniture on the ground floor doubles as seating for the cafe’s guests. Just make sure you let the waitress know which room you are sitting in!
There are white table cloths, old gramophone tunes playing and a wonderful array of cakes. Tea is served in china teapots with hand-knitted cosies and mis-matched cups and saucers. The menu offers sandwiches made with homemade bread, jacket potatoes and daily specials.
And Miss Molly’s has a motto . . .
“Whether you like jam and duck sandwiches or lettuce and marmalade we are happy to cater to our guests tastes!”
We didn’t have anything quite so adventurous but everything was delicious.
I feel like we discovered somewhere really special. In a world full of Costa and Starbucks give me a Miss Molly’s any day! I am already looking forward to going back again to discover some more hidden treasure and to try some more cake!
You can find Domestic Resales and Miss Molly’s Tearoom at Dolcoath Road, Camborne TR14 8RR
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We held my daughter’s baby shower in a similar place in New York City called Alice’s Tea Cup. It didn’t serve double duty as a resale shop, though. I have been in places where there are price tags on everything in the place so you can buy anything that strikes your fancy. Including the chair you are sitting in. Your visit sounds wonderful
Added to my travel list!
What a find – thank you for this tip! We will definitely plan to visit Miss Molly’s (and would never have known about it if it weren’t for your blog). Those cakes look *amazing*!! And I couldn’t help but notice the manual typewriter 😉
A hidden treasure indeed! Just the place to go on a rainy day on holiday, and the food was excellent. We’re planning to try their Sunday roast on our next trip to Cornwall. Many thanks for the recommendation.
The Sunday roast was excellent and a very reasonably price. Small, medium and large portions are available. Highly recommended – best to pre-book a table.