A BOUTIQUE hotel in Southend has unveiled its brand new restaurant and bar.

The luxurious Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, opened in December following an ambitious £4million project to bring the hotel to the seaside town.

The latest additions to the hotel include a 70-person restaurant as well as a gin-centric cocktail bar.

The restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day, taking a modern approach on classic British food.

The new Aurum restaurant will be run by decorated head chef, Simon Webb, who started his career as pot washer at a pub before becoming British Chef of the Year in 2012.

He has placed a huge amount of importance on ensuring the restaurant’s food is sourced from suppliers in Essex.

Speaking about Mr Webb, Sadiq Chikte, the director of the hotel, said: “Simon has had vast experience in fine dining restaurants in London.

“He has been head chef at the Langham Hotel and has overseen the private dining by Roux.

“Simon was also recognised as seafood chef of the year by the Norwegian seafood council in 2008.

“He now heads up the kitchen at the Seven Hotel and is bringing his experience and expertise to our kitchen.”

The head chef will also be leading the English culinary team into the kitchen this year as they compete for the Culinary World Cup 2018.

The gin bar is also expected to take centre stage for the hotel.

There will 30 different types of gins on offer for guests at the hotel, and there will also be a large range of cocktails to choose from.

The four-storey hotel also boasts 37 bedrooms of all shapes and sizes with views overlooking Southend pier.

In addition, the fourth floor will offer five luxury suites, each with their own living and bedroom areas, wet rooms with rain showers, sliding French windows and a terrace.

The bar and restaurant officially opened for business on Monday, January 15.

They are now taking bookings for guests.

To find out more information and how to book, call 01702 900010 or email info@aurumsouthend.co.uk.