Cowell's Cuisine - The Greenbank Hotel

The Greenbank Hotel holds fond memories for me. It was where I had my very first meal with Mrs C. My late mum Julie, also stayed here on her last visit to Falmouth.

The Greenbank is steeped in history. Starting life in 1640 as a private house before becoming an inn due to its perfect position across the river from Flushing village.

In 1907, Florence Nightingale stayed here and her name can still be seen in the guest book on display by reception. Additionally, Kenneth Grahame stayed at the hotel between the spring and autumn of 1907. It was here that he wrote letters to his son, which later formed the stories for The Wind in the Willows.

I first fell in love with the view when I stayed here 15 years ago. Sitting on the outside terrace sipping a glass of white wine looking out to Flushing and Falmouth harbour.

Two days later I was sitting opposite Mrs C, perfectly backlit against the late afternoon sun, as she drained the first of many glasses of fizz. The rest is history!

Sitting in the restaurant with its floor-to-ceiling windows the view continues to inspire. Returning here for lunch with Mrs C on a sunny spring day brought back some fun memories, along with a cute cocktail called Aviation: A mix of Tanqueray gin, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and violet syrup.

Chef Nick Hodges and his superb kitchen team have a simple ethos – to bring local produce to life, with imagination and spirit – and this he does with style and finesse. Starters included flash fried smoked paprika whitebait with aioli. Chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables, garlic halloumi and rocket. For mains I chose a stunning mackerel curry, with sag aloo, bhaji, coconut rice and mango purée.

Mrs C returned to her vegetarian habits with griddled halloumi, sourdough, avocado, beetroot, red onion, and rocket. The food here is lovingly cooked – and the all-day menu is served from midday till late.

After lunch we sat on the terrace with coffee and brandy, the sun was still warm and the boats bobbled lazily in the bay in front of us.

“We could always stay the night.” I said, gazing thoughtfully over the sparkly sea.

Mrs C looked up sharply, and promptly sank the last of her brandy and placed the glass on the table: “The cat needs feeding and I’ve left the kitchen window open.”

I looked up from my reverie and signalled for the bill.

Follow Tony Cowell on Twitter: @cowelltweets