The Greenbank Hotel

Relaxed dining with stunning views over the Fal Estuary

The Dutch settlers who arrived in Cornwall more than 400 years ago certainly knew how to spot a good location.

The site where they built a quay, in what’s now Falmouth, is now The Greenbank Hotel. No surprise then that this iconic building enjoys glorious views out across the harbour.

An extensive renovation project has also offered a glimpse into its famous past. The hotel’s Water’s Edge Restaurant has had a complete refurb – a building project which began back in February.

‘We’ve relocated the kitchen and put the restaurant back to where it was originally,’ says general manager Ben Young. ‘It’s far more spacious and luxurious, and modern catering technology means we can have a smaller kitchen area.’

The restaurant is now a clever blend of contemporary styling that still embraces the history of the building. Relaxed and informal, you’ll discover modern art on the walls from Cornish artists as you relax over supper.

New head chef Nick Hodges complements the styling with a menu which he says is about creating a fresh and honest approach to food, combined with great value for money.

‘It’s simple really,’ says Ben. ‘We want to undersell on the menu and over-deliver on the plate.’

Uniquely, they’ve also added pontoon berths for boats, so you can sail up and walk straight in to the hotel from its private quay.

The team’s not about to stop the good work there, however, and the next restoration project is already underway – the reopening of a former pub on the lower level.

‘We’ve been shown old photos of what it used to look like inside,’ says Ben. ‘Local people love talking about it and remembering how it was furnished.’ With the pub due to open next month, it’s been an exciting and challenging few months for Ben and the team.

And sitting in the sun enjoying a leisurely meal while watching the waterside comings and goings, we think those early settlers would have approved of the latest chapter in the history of The Greenbank.

This feature was first published in the June 2015 issue of Food Magazine.

Restaurants nearby

• Kids welcome
• Dogs welcome (dog friendly rooms available, but dogs are not permitted in some public areas)
• Wifi
• Parking available
• Private dining available
• Gluten free options
• Wedding venue

Starter

Oysters – natural, Kilpatrick, chilli and ginger, £9

Main

Seared black bream fillet, lemon and oregano infused ratatouille, salsa verde, £17

Pud

Banoffee, iced banana parfait, white chocolate mousse, sea salt caramel, biscuit crumb, £7