The Pier, Harwich

Part of the high-end Milsom group, The Pier is a delightfully welcoming hotel and a favourite destination for lovers of great food and drink. The first floor restaurant – which has two AA rosettes – overlooks Harbour harbour, its ships and working docks, while on the ground floor the NAVYÄRD bar and terrace is a continental-inspired bar with an enviable drinks and ‘Gin Library’, offering more than 100 gins across four shelves, along with craft, cask and artisan beers, ales and a Nordic-inspired small-plate bar menu.

Individually-styled bedrooms complement the nearby seascape and many have the best vantage points for the beautiful sunsets that are seen on this part of the East Coast.

Aside from its companionable restaurant and bar areas, The Pier offers additional space for private dining within The Saloon, while House Parties can be accommodated in The Angel, an adjacent building which was once a public house – this has seven bedrooms and a large sitting room. 

The Pier is easily reached by car, but for the full seafaring experience it’s fun to arrive by boat, courtesy of

the Harwich Harbour Ferry, which operates a seasonal service with ports of call in Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.