Roslin Beach Hotel Review: Calm & Tranquility in Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Now I’m not going to lie, but I can’t think of a time I would ever see myself visiting Southend-on-Sea. Not that there’s anything wrong with the location, but I’ve just never been the biggest fan of UK coastal towns in general. I hate sand between my toes (don’t tell anyone) and well frankly the ocean is so cold you can only look at it. So with my love of hotels and heated pools, I decided to step a little out of my comfort zone and jump on the train from London Liverpool Street to Southend-on-Sea which took an incredibly swift 55 minutes. Little did I know that I’d soon to be rethinking my views of British coastal towns…

We weren’t staying in the centre of town, but instead a short 10 minute drive away, right on the coast and away from the hustle and bustle. Roslin Beach Hotel is a boutique stay and most likely Southend’s best property after doing a little research. Situated in a quiet location opposite an award-winning beach, the hotel is ideal for romantic getaways, weddings and celebrations. I think there was even a wedding celebration when we were staying which meant for a fantastic atmosphere in the air.

A swift check in later and we made our way up to our room. We were staying in one of the hotels superior king rooms which felt like a breath of fresh air as we walked through the door. Bright, spacious, coastal and best of all – a balcony to enjoy the sea views. I really loved the décor in this room and all of the amenities such as television, Nespresso machine and WiFi were of the highest quality and the latter, very fast.

The bathroom was just as spacious and again had everything we needed. A good powerful walk-in rain shower, a colour scheme similar to the bedroom and Elemis toiletries to help you create your very own spa experience.

And that balcony our bedroom had. I completely fell in love with it. I don’t know if it was the sun or the fresh air, but after a short scout of the local area, we ordered a bottle of wine via room service, popped the radio on and sat most of the afternoon simply enjoying the views and Southend. If you’re thinking of staying at this hotel, I highly recommend you splash out and get the best balcony possible. It’s worth every penny.

With the sun shining just before dinner, we spent a little more time exploring the local area. Leaving the front of the hotel and crossing the road, the beach is immediately on your doorstep. Head right and 15 minutes later you’ll be in Southend’s town centre, full of arcades and cockles. To the left, a never ending coastline dotted with picturesque wooden huts.

If you’d rather just sit and relax, you don’t even need to leave the hotel because its fabulous sun-soaked terrace is the place to be seen when in Southend-on-Sea. And if the sun and cocktails aren’t quite your thing, the hotel also has a rejuvenating retreat.

Whilst we had dinner already booked and so didn’t quite have room for much beforehand, the  Roslin Beach Afternoon Tea we saw being served looked amazing and the rooms it is served in was equally as impressive. Take in panoramic views of the sea and practice the art of relaxation in a luxurious, yet casual environment.

When we’d checked into the hotel, they to our surprise gave us a voucher to enjoy a cocktail at our leisure which I thought was a lovely touch. We used that at our table for dinner and they were fantastic. The cocktail menu changes regularly meaning there is always something new to try, though the bar team can also mix up the classics or your favourite tipple. The dining room is lovely too. Lots of light, big bar in the centre and of course – more sea views.

Given the blue skies and nearby coastline, we tried to keep to a seafood theme with our meal by starting with a plate of Cornish mackerel. A really lovely piece of fish served cold and with a punchy horseradish buttermilk, smoked cod roe, dill and potato salad. You can’t get much fresher than this.

For our main course. We both opted for the steamed turbot “Grenoblois” and I don’t think we could have picked a better dish. The fish was beautifully cooked and came served with a beurre noisette, confit lemon, capers, coastal greens and Jersey Royals. This dish was such a joy to eat.

For dessert, we finished up on two fabulous creations from the kitchen. An Amalfi lemon cheesecake was a dream to eat. Made up of a digestive crunch, red berries and meringue shards. This is one dish you won’t want to miss and coming from someone who is cheesecake crazy, you won’t be disappointed.

My dining companion ordered the Roslin bread and butter pudding. Whilst I only managed to sneak a single bite, I can confirm it was every bit as good as I’d hoped. Particularly the scoop of honey ice cream on the side. Honey comb ember ash, apricot pearls and if that wasn’t enough – some custard for pouring.

The next morning we did what we like to do best – have breakfast in bed. We opened up our balcony doors as the sun was yet again shining, put on some big fluffy dressing gowns and switched on the TV. Fresh juices, pots of coffee and a really excellent full English breakfast. The quality of everything on the plate was very good and whilst I normally never finish a full English, we left with our plates empty.

Since returning, I have quite honestly taken away some of the features from our room to recreate in my own bedroom back in London. It’s so fresh, clean and just so calming. The food here is excellent too. It’s not fussy or Michelin starred, but quality plates of locally sourced food which won’t break the bank. Not to mention that all important coastal setting which is reflected throughout the property. Would we return to Roslin Beach Hotel? Yes – especially if it meant we get to enjoy wine on that bedroom balcony once again.

NB: My meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.