Southend Seven Hotel family back in full management at Aurum

The Seven Hotel was an immediate hit with Southenders, out-of-towners and stars (Vinnie Jones has stayed there and Rod Stewart dined there!) and Aurum Restaurant was (in very quick fashion) included in the Michelin Guide.

However while Rashid and family stayed at the helm of the hotel, the restaurant was leased, from summer 2020 until February 2024, by another operator and Aurum dropped out of the foodie bible.

Dining in style - Katy Pearson at Aurum (Image: Katy Pearson)

Now Rashid has taken back full management – and things are on the up once again at Aurum.

The glamorous restaurant is currently in the application stage for two AA rosettes and there’s no reason for them not to be seriously optimistic about their chances.

The newly hired chefs are creating exceptional dishes that highlight local ingredients, celebrating modern British cuisine.

On a busy Saturday night the husband and I checked out the menu, which features a variety of dry-aged steaks and seafood and plant-based options.

Tuck in - The beef rib (Image: Newsquest)

While the starters offer everything from duck salad (£13) to wild mushroom parfait (£12) it was the popcorn prawns (£14) and the Bombay chicken that we eventually settled upon (£13).

We had told Vikas (formerly of Grosvenor House Dubai) that we planned to share our starters and rather than popping us an extra spoon, he plated up the dishes with half for each of us.

That level of service continued throughout the evening. My beef short ribs (£27) with its beetroot puree and buttered kale was as easy on the eye as it was on the palette. The ribeye (£35) was another dish dispatched with aplomb.

And the cocktails? Well, they don’t mess about.

Cheers - Cotton Candy (Image: Newsquest)

Cotton Candy is my new favourite tipple. Vodka, grapefruit and Taittinger Rose topped by a puff of, as the name suggests, cotton candy. A fusion of fun and luxury (£14).

It’s one of no less than seven Champagne-based cocktails on the menu. Which sit alongside classics such as expresso martinis, mojitos and Manhattans.

The bar – and now we’ve finally had a touch of sunshine, the terrace – offer stunning views across the estuary towards Southend Pier.

Fab food. Super service. Lux location.

Divine - Sharing starters (Image: Newsquest)

If they carry on like this, we’ll soon have a new Michelin approved eatery in town! (Remember, you heard it here first...)

Fancy something a bit different? On June 27 Aurum will be hosting an Indian tasting night with celebrity Chef Dipna Anand, featuring an eight-course tasting menu.

Visit aurumsouthend.co.uk