Review: Seafood lovers menu introduced at Pier Hotel Harwich

The group is synonymous with four star hotels, including the Talbooth House and Spa at Dedham, Kesgrave Hall and The Pier at Harwich.

So it was with great anticipation that I stepped on the ferry across to the Harwich hotel to experience a new seafood menu prepared by head chef Andrew Thurston.

READ MORE: Review: The Pier, Harwich

The half Harwich lobster thermidor was a particular favourite of reviewer Dominic (Image: Newsquest)As a seafood lover myself, I couldn't wait to enjoy the special menu, which has been prepared with the summer in mind and will be available between June and August.

And there is perhaps no better location for the summer months than the ideally-positioned hotel, which sits on the shoreline with views across the river to Suffolk and close to the historic Ha'penny Pier, which dates back to 1853.

Guests can dine alfresco on the outdoor tables, while the hotel also owns the Deck 1853 dining spot on the pier, where guests can enjoy pizza, pastas and paninis while watching the sunset.

READ MORE: Suffolk news

The poached supreme of sea trout (Image: Newsquest)And the food did not disappoint.

My meal began with a delicious starter of crispy tempura oyster, featuring herb mayonnaise, pickled cucumber and dill, along with smoked mackerel pate, which included fried quail egg, chives and melba toast.

Crab has long been a favourite of mine and my next course of crab tartlet was a particular delight, set with brown crab mousse and avocado and bacon crumb and served with the perfect accompaniment - a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie, Chateau Les Templiers.

The wine's lively aromas of fresh peach and green apple complimented the food wonderfully.

The crab tartlet (Image: Newsquest)Unusually for somebody who has eaten most types of seafood, I had never experienced trout before, but my next dish was the perfect introduction.

The combination of poached supreme of sea trout with Keta caviar, dill beure blanc and a squid ink crisp was perfect, as was the glass of Joel Gott Chardonnay paired with the meal, with its citrus flavours. 

However, probably my favourite course was the half Harwich lobster thermidor which followed next and included a round lettuce, pecorino and crispy onion salad and skinny fries.

The menu said the meal paired well with a glass of Macon Uchizy, Domaine Talmard and that's exactly how it proved.

The classic lemon tart (Image: Newsquest)Then it was time for dessert and the classic lemon tart paired with fresh raspberries and raspberry coulis was a great way to end the meal, all paired with a fruity-flavoured glass of Petit Guiraud Sauternes.

With my hunger well and truly sated, I returned to my room in the former Angel pub next door, which has now been converted by the hotel into luxury accommodation with a comfy lounge, private dining room and downstairs bar.

Following a good night's sleep in the comfortable bed, I caught my return ferry to Suffolk the following morning from the Ha'penny Pier just a few yards from my room; my boat having been well floated by my experience at the hotel.

For seafood lovers, the menu is an absolute must, but be quick as the courses are only served until August.

Contact: The Pier, Harwich, 01255 241212, www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier

Crispy tempura oyster and smoked mackerel pate (Image: Newsquest)