THE PIER HOTEL - ON THE QUAYSIDE AT HARWICH

Located in two historic buildings that stand proudly on the quayside at Harwich, the Pier Hotel overlooks the harbour where the Stour and Orwell meet. It was from here that the original packet ships left for the continent back in the 1850's, the main building started life offering overnight accommodation for these intrepid travellers.

Beautifully restored, with a nautical theme throughout, it houses two celebrated seafood restaurants, the more modestly priced Ha'Penny Bistro on the ground floor opposite the bar and the Harbourside above for fine dining. They overlook the splendid estuary where fishing boats lay anchor to deliver their daily catch to the hotel.

During 2000 the next door building was acquired, formerly the Angel public house, which dates back to the 1700s. Together, they provide fourteen individually styled en-suite bedrooms including the luxurious Mayflower Suite which commemorates the connection between Harwich and the Pilgrim Fathers ship. Many have splendid views over the harbour.

Chef and Director, Chris Oakley, has won the hotel many coveted accolades while his wife Vreni assists the general manager, Nick Chambers. Proprietors Paul and Geraldine Milsom are well known for their luxurious Talbooth Restaurant and Maison Talbooth Hotel in Dedham and, more recently, milsoms.

The historic town of Harwich was birthplace of Captain Jones who sailed the Mayflower over to the New World and was twice married in the town's St Nicholas Church. Many of the town's special properties have been restored to their former splendour including the Redoubt Fort, Electric Palace Cinema and the Lifeboat Museum as well as an old lighthouse and lightship. Colchester, the oldest recorded town in England, is within easy reach.

Bed and breakfast starts from £97.50 per double/twin room per night. There are special breaks for stays of two nights or more starting from £310 for dinner, B&B for two sharing. For a brochure contact the Pier Hotel, The Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH. Tel: 01255 241212, www.milsomhotels.com

The Pier is a member of The Great Inns of Britain; for a brochure containing full information about the 19 inns in the group call 01423 770152. Details also on www.greatinns.co.uk.

For further information or for a possible press visit, please contact:

Sheralyn Bonner
Bonner & Hindley Communications
Carlton House
Pickering Street
Leeds, LS12 2QG
T 0113 279 9909
F 0113 279 9939
E sheralyn@bandhcommunications.co.uk