‘JAZZING up The Jetty’ is the buzz word at this waterside restaurant.

Part of the Harbour Hotels Collection, The Jetty restaurant has been getting some serious attention this winter, with a mini makeover – introducing a new look alongside new menus.

With a new floor, décor to the walls, corner banquette seating and some TLC to the bar and doors, the interior style is distinctive and contemporary.

There is no place for formality here. Rather, the restaurant will provide a social, relaxed dining experience. It is a fantastic place to gather, open a bottle of wine, take in the breathtaking views and choose something from the totally delicious menus.

The Jetty is located within the grounds of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel. It is literally on the water’s edge of the estuary at Mudeford with breathtaking vistas of the landscape and seascape across to Hengistbury Head.

Indeed, The Jetty continues to lead the way as an award-winning Dorset restaurant.

Chef Patron Alex Aitken has introduced a wide range of menus, using the very best local, seasonal ingredients – with fish landed daily at the quay and producers from the local area dropping seasonal ingredients right to the restaurant’s front door.

With more than 30 years in the business, Alex Aitken is one of the most renowned chefs in the region.

Having started his career as a trawlerman this ‘raw’ fishing experience proved invaluable and a culinary asset during his career as a chef.

Alex spent 25 years of cooking within the New Forest, including many years running his own highly-acclaimed restaurant, Le Poussin in Brockenhurst, which led to his Michelin Star in 1995.

Later, he became partner and director of cuisine at the luxurious Lime Wood in Lyndhurst and is now the Chef Patron at The Jetty in Mudeford, Upper Deck bar and restaurant at Christchurch Harbour Hotel and the Kings Arms in Christchurch.

Self-proclaimed home-grown chef Alex, boasts a wealth of knowledge and he brings his expertise to the pass at The Jetty, serving a delectable array of local dishes, which are fresh, seasonal and simple.

It is easy to see why this Dorset gem has scooped a catalogue of awards in recent years including Gold in the Taste category at the 2012 South West Tourism Excellence Awards and Christchurch Best of the Best Awards, won consecutively in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The Jetty offers a fine choice of renowned wines. A list of ‘Greats and Favourites’ includes a bottle of Evolution Sokol Blosser Winery Oregon, USA 16th Edition, £42.50, to one of the most expensive wines in the world, Lafite Rothchild 1990, for £750.

There are three menus to choose from – the main a la carte menu, the Catch of the Day selection, which changes according to what has been freshly caught that day, and the Jetty Tasting Menu.

With such a fantastic array of flavours let them decide the wines for you.

This light and delicious collection of Jetty dishes is designed to be enjoyed by the whole table.

The Jetty is a veritable feast for food lovers and highly recommended by 24Seven.

l The Jetty, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, to book call 01202 400950 or visit thejetty.co.uk, christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk