Mini trip to Falmouth - Jane Foster
The Green Bank Hotel and it’s views across to Flushing.
I recently took a mini break to Falmouth in order to concentrate on some illustrating. I often work well sitting in cafes and find a change of scene just what is needed from time to time.
I couldn’t have chosen better weather - it was glorious! Falmouth is one of my favourite places in Cornwall to visit as parts of it remind me of my Brighton days. I love how arty it is and love it’s little Independent shops and cafes.
I was fortunate to have been gifted a nights stay at the famous art deco Green Bank hotel on the harbour. It’s situation was perfect for me as I travelled by train and wanted to be within walking distance to the high street and coast. My room had a sea view and I enjoyed slumping into the large velvet armchair whilst staring out to sea. It was very luxurious!
The hotel is a beautiful building and I particularly loved the entrance staircase and the bar area and lounge - all with breathtaking views. The breakfast was delicious - fresh croissants, melon followed by a full veggie cooked breakfast with guacamole and a sea view.
As the main purpose of my little trip was to draw as much as possible, I spent much of my time in various cafes working on illustrations. Below are some that I sat in and enjoyed - from left to right, the Natural Store which has a wonderful airy upstairs cafe with a fabulous view and tasty handmade soup. I loved The Beacon Cafe, in fact, I can honestly say I had the best coffee I’ve ever had and left with a bag of freshly ground coffee to take home. I definitely recommend this cafe if you’re like me and love your coffee! It also had a simple birch ply interior which I also loved. (And the guys are super friendly). Also along this little stretch of Indie shops is the wonderful artisan bakery and cafe called Stones. I sat in the window an loved the whole smell of the place. Again, really good coffee and super friendly staff. The other place I headed to was the famous Beerwolf Books as I remembered it being a great bookshop on my last trip. I enjoyed delving into their art and design books but didn’t end up drawing inside as it was a bit too dark.
I had a little time to wander along the main shopping stretch between the Falmouth station and the Green Bank hotel and the far end. I discovered a little Indie clothes shop called Parade where I bought a sun dress to change into as the weather was so hot! (The sundress is by the Brighton based company Sugarhill). I loved browsing in the stationery shops and also stumbled upon a new haberdashery shop called Stitches & Cream where I bought a few sewing items.
You’ll be pleased to hear that I managed to get a lot of drawing done and have returned to Devon fully refreshed! Thank you to the wonderful team at the Green Bank hotel for such a wonderful stay.