Harbourside drinks at Southampton Harbour Hotel

On Friday I had the pleasure of visiting the Southampton Harbour Hotel, a stunning harbourside hotel which sits on the harbour at Ocean Village in Southampton.

Southampton Harbour Hotel Jetty RestaurantSouthampton Harbour Hotel Jetty Restaurant

The hotel really is a sight to behold – with a breathtaking ‘super-yacht’ inspired design.  Indeed there were some rather expensive yachts moored in the marina alongside the jetty that extends out from the namesake restaurant.  Everything feels immensely luxurious, and I can imagine (in my wildest dreams), tottering down the gangplank of a yacht and swanning straight up to the marble bar for a glass of champagne.  The Jetty restaurant prides itself on seafood, with a Tasting Menu that features their catch of the day, and even a fresh fish counter.  I was excited to hear that their Patron Chef is Alex Aitken, after sampling his amazing menus at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and King’s Hotel many a time when I lived in Dorset.

Southampton Harbour Hotel SpaHarSpa Cafe

One of the areas I was most excited about seeing was their ‘HarSpa’, which boasts a hydro-pool, relaxation room, pool, mud room and steam room.  There’s also a really plush gym and studio and I’m hoping to take up membership so I can start some of their classes.  I can’t think of anything better than starting the weekend with a swim and an hour-long pilates class (and yin yoga on a Sunday – dreamy…) Those pretty cushions and oars are in the spa juice bar and cafe – serving green energy smoothies and nutritious snacks (and you can slurp away in your robe if you so wish).

Southampton Harbour Hotel HarBarSouthampton Harbour HarBarDrinks at Southampton Harbour HarBarHarBar on 6th Southampton Harbour

One of the highlights of the tour is their rooftop bar – HarBAR on 6th, with amazing views over the marina and the rest of Southampton (I was distracted by trying to spot my flat).  I’m desperate to go back as soon as possible for cocktails on the roof terrace (they even have a pizza oven on the terrace as well as some very comfortable looking seating for lounging in the sunshine).  I had that delicious looking mocktail above – flu-zapping Harbar Refresher with orange, ginger and lemon (it was delicious).  I also tried some bites from their Small Plates menu – their Truffle Arancini is to die for and their Cured Meats and Crostini Platter was just as delicious.

I’ve been badgering all my friends to go back immediately with me for a glass of wine (well, as soon as dry January is over…) in the HarBAR and I hope to be lolling around in the hydrotherapy pool ASAP.

Have you visited the Southampton Harbour Hotel?