The Pier Hotel

I have just spent a wonderful weekend at The Pier in Harwich. Where the food was excellent and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. We had a house party there for 14 of us. It was wonderfully organised and nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

Harwich comes across as decidedly down at heel, in dire need of an infusion of cash, people and businesses. But for a Photographer the dilapidation is wonderful and the Pier Hotel a great place to dive into for Coffee and Sustenance. We had first class Double Espresso, Cider on draught and an exquisite plate of Cheese and Biscuits to share. Hayling Seagoon

This used to be a really nice restaurant but while it's as expensive as ever, the 'special' is definitely no more. Have the fish and chips or the roast and you'll probably get an adequate meal. Today I had the chicken kiev, which was actually a dry lump of chicken breast in breadcrumbs, with no trace of a butter and herb filling, set on soggy cubes of potatoes which were supposed to be 'parmentier', a bit of spinach? and bacon, in a strange tasting sauce - an unpleasant experience. My partner had an equally dried up piece of skate.

What a lovely experience staff so helpful and friendly .food was delicious lovely outlook looking over the sea fabulous . Been to Dedham milsoms but what a difference here staff were attentive and helpful can’t wait to visit here again no comparison definitely would recommend the pier

fab food and veggie and vegan options exceptional.Staff great especially Caroline at breakfast- mad to feel so valued. Room 3 lovely but the bathroom tired. had to jiggle the flush on the toilet. Mentioned on check out and told its going to be refurnished in the future. Mild irritation on an otherwise super hotel.

Since we stayed here 17 months ago the room rate has gone up by more than 40%. The room was badly set out..you had to climb over the coffee table to get to the setee which faced the back of the TV and there was no proper dressing table for my wife to sit and do her make- up. And final moan for £230 a night a bathrobe would have been nice. That said the room was spotlessly clean, the hotel is in a great location overlooking the harbour, the staff were on the ball and they do a superb breakfast.

After a 2023 disastrous Xmas day dinner at the pier . we decided to give the pier at Harwich another try - we moved house from our favourite restaurant at Milsom in Dedham and it’s just a bit closer to go to the pier now we have moved then to go to Dedham. We have seen a real decline this Thursday at the pier restaurant. There was only one other family apart from my family at the restaurant ,so it was certainly not busy .the waiters were great they obviously have no control over the food that comes out of that kitchen.the potatoes were very dry they tasted re- heated the so called Thai mussels was hot water with chilly- no taste of Thai ingredients.I was offered the french version mussels. Which was much the same hot cream no flavours of garlic herbs ect . The restaurant manager was there and didn’t even come and see us about our unsatisfactory meal . Very disappointed and will be going an extra few miles to visit Milsoms in Dedham .its a real shame as we do like seafood they had no lobster or crab that day ,we have had some Lovley experience in the summer months at the pier but after Xmas day dinner 2023 with comparing it to the wonderful atmosphere and food at Milsoms Dedham it wasn’t a special day out at all , Just because they are the same Milsoms group it doesn’t unfortunately say they have the same standards of chiefs and the same experiences.

We went last Monday evening was very quiet food was good seafood platter was really good soft shell grab was lovely and muscle was excellent cocktails we really enjoyed staff was very attentive was really worth a visit will definitely go back again

We stayed two nights mid week in the Mayflower suite. Huge bed. Fantastic bay window taking up most of one wall. Comfy chairs and sofa. Also available to residents was a large lounge. Perfect for a last drink before bed. Food in the restaurant is very good. Great choices and locally sourced fish. We had octopus carpaccio followed by lobster Thermidor Pricey but really good New menu at breakfast. Smoked haddock rarebit on sourdough toast and waffles with syrup and bacon a lovely addition. Situated right on the seafront this is a perfect place to stay whilst exploring Harwich. We will be back.