Southend’s brand new boutique hotel opened its doors officially today, but I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party last night.

The luxurious seafront Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, offers 37 super lux bedrooms, a 70-person restaurant and a gin-centric cocktail bar, following a £4million project.

Last night I was among Seven’s first guests and enjoyed a decadent evening of sumptuous cocktails, in partnership with Tattinger Champagne and Copper Head Gin, as well as canapes from the new restaurant, Aurum.

The nibbles, prepared by head chef, Simon Webb, who has previously worked with the likes of the legendary Roux family, included monkfish cheek in black brioche buns, opulent oysters as well as carrot and orange ice cream (not a combo I’ve ever heard of before either!)

For one night, the tables in Seven’s plush restaurant were pushed aside to allow us to dance to tunes being played by DJ Shmia.

The contemporary cocktail bar boasts more than 30 different types of gin – which may rather explain my hangover today.

And having had a good nosy around, Seven is definitely going to be worth another visit.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, taking a modern approach on classic British food – think cockles, seaweed and Essex bird. And come summertime, the terrace out front will be hard to beat.

Even the ladies’ loos are plush. They have bi-folding rose-gold mirror doors. Well chic – but also a little confusing after a cocktail or two!

What’s not to love?

Find out more at www.thesevenhotel.co.uk