Electric Palace Film and Food movie night is 'fun and satisfying'

Having reported on these events for the Harwich and Manningtree Standard, I am excited to see what the night brings.

I am greeted by welcoming staff and make sure to grab some cinema snacks.

Everyone is soon seated to watch the film, Rocketman.

For those unfamiliar, Rocketman is a biographical musical film based on the life of Sir Elton John. 

As it was released a few years ago, I am aware I have already seen Rocketman, however this does not detract from my enjoyment of the experience.

In particular, some of my fellow viewers make funny quips on certain scenes, leading to laughter that brings the whole room together.

I find the whole experience to be fun and entertaining - not only the historical aspect of seeing a film in one of Britain's oldest unaltered purpose-built cinemas, but also getting to see an excellent movie again.

After Rocketman concludes, this is usually where a cinema trip ends although in this case, there is still more fun to be had.

As we all depart from the Electric Palace, our next stop is The Pier Hotel where we are to enjoy a three-course meal as part of the event's ticket price.

The meal's menu is already pre-prepared, so we all receive the same dishes, apart from those with allergy or dietary requirements.

I have nothing but nice things to say about the staff at The Pier.

They greet us all warmly when we arrive, promptly show us to our seats and check in regularly as the evening progresses.

We first receive a Belvy and the Jets cocktail which includes Belvedere vodka, grapefruit juice, cinnamon and lemon juice.

I find the cocktail to be enjoyable while I wait for the first course to arrive.

It is Black Bomber rarebit with pickled celery, apple and rocket salad. 

As I do not eat rarebit often, I am particularly excited to give this a try.

Starter - Black Bomber rarebit (Image: Conor O'Brien/Newsquest)

In particular, I enjoyed eating and tasting the combined flavours of the celery and apple.

Up next is the roast chicken supreme, with a parmesan and tarragon risotto, buttered leeks and chicken jus.

Although chicken is not usually my meat of choice, this proves to be an excellent main course.

The chicken itself is soft and delicious to eat while the risotto, with its richness, only adds to the overall taste.

Last but not least, dessert arrives to finish off the meal.

We are treated to an apple tart with orange creme fraiche.

Dessert - Apple tart with orange creme fraiche (Image: Conor O'Brien/Newsquest)

Once again, this is not my dessert of choice, but I enjoyed the taste of both components together.

Overall, I leave The Pier feeling full and satisfied, a perfect end to a brilliant evening.