Would You Eat Lunch on a Slate Tile?

Is a slate tile a suitable substitute for a plate? We at Cumbria Roofing would like to air our views of this subject

A slate tile, for food use as a chopping board or a starter plate. Image by Eightstock (via Shutterstock).

Imagine you’re taking a loved one to a fancy restaurant or gastropub in the middle of the Lake District. The spot looks idyllic. You have checked for real fires, real ale, real food, and real prices. You go for the steak or a gourmet burger of some description. Half an hour later, the waiter comes with your food. You find it is served on a slate tile. Which, if you happen to be a roofer, is the last thing you want to be reminded of over a pub lunch.

Apart from the travails of a work-life balance, the use of a perfectly good slate tile for food is frowned upon by some diners. There’s even a website called We Want Plates, which has pictures of food served on anything apart from plates. Oh, for the days when we had more Wimpy bars serving hamburgers on proper plates (then again, so does The Bransty Arch).

Whatever your line of opinion on the Slate Versus Plate argument, the slate tile is a very good material for serving food. Its heat resistance make slate an attractive option for grilled food. Also cold food, especially desserts and side salads. Traditionally, slate has been used as a material for cheeseboards. There is one company, The Derwent Slate Plate Company, which sells slate plates that are suitable for food. Situated in Gateshead, they use Spanish slate. Laser etching services is also available if you wish to stamp your business’ corporate branding on your plates.

What’s more, slate tiles are dishwasher safe, though can be hand washed as well. They are not suitable for microwave ovens.

Slate tile or plate?

What would you prefer to eat your lunch off? Feel free to comment.

Cumbria Roofing, 20 February 2017.

Share on Social!