I'll be honest, through December my desire to cook wanes further with every present I wrap. Perhaps it's the busyness of the season, or perhaps I'm just gearing up for the Christmas Day cooking marathon, but at this time of year I'm especially keen for someone else to do the hard work for me.

So when the Lakeside Cafe in Helston announced its winter menu had arrived I rubbed my gloved hands in glee at the thought of another meal being sorted.

We went as a family, with promises of pancakes to lure the daughter out of bed and out for breakfast.

After a pleasant stroll past the ducks and geese on the lake at Coronation Park, we got there just after the cafe opened for the day.

Owners Dave and Lucy (Page) always do a great fry up, whether it's at Lakeside or their original sister cafe Nauti But Ice in Porthleven, and nothing has changed here – it's the classic cooked breakfast we know and love.

For those yet to experience it, it comes with sausage, bacon, hogs pudding, friend egg, mushroom, homemade beans, tomato, hash brown and toast.

The Lakesides classic full English is a firm favourite

The Lakeside's classic full English is a firm favourite

Also on the menu is a vegan version – including avocado and non-egg scramble – a breakfast bap, eggs Benedict or a BLT sandwich.

For those arriving later in the day and looking for something a bit more ‘lunchy’, there is a homemade burger and chips, veggie burger, home-cooked ham, egg and chips, or a range of toasted paninis.

Having over-indulged on the Christmas biscuit selection the night before, however, I was fancying something a little lighter so opted for the smashed avocado with sliced tomato and crumbly feta with chilli flakes, served on multi-seed toast.

It really hit the spot, kick-starting my appetite without sending me back into a food coma.

There is a pleasent walk along Coronation Lake to get to the cafe

There is a pleasent walk along Coronation Lake to get to the cafe

I did, however, still have just enough room to snaffle one of my daughter's pancakes – a new addition to the winter menu.

She chose the creamy yoghurt and winter berries option (these were served warm, which was lovely on a chilly December Saturday) although they also come in a bacon and maple syrup alternative (my personal favourite – next time!).

Unfortunately there isn't a photo of pancakes, as I felt her deconstructed version with 'everything on the side' would do a disservice to their beautiful presentation.

It was a great way to start the day, giving me enough of a boost to finish the Christmas shopping – and to carry on with that wrapping...

  • Menu available 10am to 3pm, Wednesday through to Sunday and daily in the school Christmas holidays. Opening times may change over the Christmas weekend.