SOUTHEND’S brand new boutique hotel opened its doors officially on Saturday, but we were there for the launch party on Friday night.

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

On Friday, Seven’s first guests 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.

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

With stunning sea views over the estuary and the pier lit up by Seven’s sleek statement lightening, guests enjoyed the grandeur of the town’s newest boutique destination.

Now open to the public, the contemporary cocktail bar boasts more than 30 different types of gin, while the restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, taking a modern approach on classic British food - think cockles, seaweed and Essex bird.

Come summertime, the terrace out front will be hard to beat.