Captain's Club Hotel

Meticulously designed to meet the desires of the 21st-century customer, this stunning modern hotel stands on Christchurch Quay overlooking the River Stour. It successfully blends a contemporary maritime theme with cutting-edge style. Drinks in the funky bar, or the chic lounge, is a good starting point, but head for the terrace to make the best of the glorious river and sunset views. Large patio windows, wooden tables, gleaming glassware and a feature waterfall give a sleek, almost minimalist feel to Tides Restaurant. In tune with the surroundings, cooking is bang up to date, and the kitchen's local and seasonal ethos continues to impress. From a typical winter carte, kick off with scallops with five-spiced pork belly and a beetroot, chilli and lemon purée, then follow with whole partridge with confit legs, spinach purée, wild mushrooms, and truffle sauce. For dessert, try the coffee crème caramel with banana foam and chocolate honeycomb.