Short Stay – The Greenbank Hotel

For a food-filled weekend break, head to picturesque – and surprisingly trendy – Falmouth in Cornwall

The basics

Perched at the far end of Falmouth’s high street, The Greenbank Hotel boasts a lengthy history visible in its mishmash of connected buildings that sit by the water. Originally a home in the 17th century, it went on to become an inn that hosted both Florence Nightingale and Kenneth Greene, author of The Wind in the Willows. Today, it has a terrace and smart restaurant overlooking the fishing boat-studded Fal estuary that makes for the perfect aperitif spot.

The rooms

The hotel recently underwent a nip-and-tuck, and its light-filled rooms are plush and airy, with contemporary decor referencing the hotel’s seaside location. The bathrooms are modern and sleek, and the beds are some of the comfiest we’ve slept in – although they’re narrowly beaten as our favourite thing about the place by the harbour views from the room’s bay window.

Food and drink

If there’s a place to dive into local fish and seafood, this is it – executive chef Nick Hodges is a Cornishman through and through, and consequently leverages the area’s natural larder to maximum effect. Scallops with blood pudding were a tumult of flavours and textures; plaice fillet was as fresh as you’d hope; and the ice cream was mouth-coatingly creamy – and we’d recommend making sure you don’t miss breakfast, too.

Nearby

There’s no shortage of food and drink here: Hand bar offers a selection of specialist beers, while Chintz – which sits above it – is more wine-focused. Elsewhere, The Star & Garter is slowly garnering a reputation for its modern British cuisine. During the day, there are tiny streets filled with vintage shops to explore, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, take a boat trip to the towns that sit across the water.