Five Things to do in Deal, Kent
The post is sponsored by Southeastern.
My love affair with the south east coast of England started 12 years ago, my first love was Whitstable, and then more publicly Margate. However the town that’s become my little getaway spot, and much lesser known is Deal. To begin my three part seaside guide with Southeastern, I’m going to share with you a few of my favourite places in this very sweet spot, where pastel coloured doors are a plenty. Easily accessible via train from London, in under 1 hour and 22 minutes from my favourite St Pancras, you can be wandering the quaint streets of Deal and begin recharging your batteries. Just don’t tell everyone you know, let this place be our little secret ok?
The Rose Hotel
My oh my, the Rose. Where to begin?! When I saw The Rose refurbishment had been completed on the lovely Rosie Birkett’s Instagram I knew I had to go and visit. In it’s 5th week of opening I booked in on a Sunday night and couldn’t stop ooooohhing and ahhhing all over the place.
Jack and I enjoyed some delicious food when we turned up, they do Brunch on a Saturday and lunch on a Sunday. As we are not Sunday roast fans (controversial I know) we ordered lots of small plates, followed by a recommended desert called a ‘Dutch Baby’. Essentially a sweet Yorkshire pudding served with ice cream and berries, it’s my new favourite thing!
The rooms, were just beautiful. I got to nose round a few (thank you VERY much) so can say whichever one you pick, you won’t be disappointed. My room had a record player, with Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac vinyl, plus the dreamiest roll top bath. This hotel is everything I’m always looking for in somewhere to stay: lots of attention to detail but also very welcoming, you won’t regret booking a night here. I stayed on a Sunday night, which has an excellent rate, they also do a two night weekend offer. Contact them to find out more.
The Hoxton Store
I don’t step out of this shop without a little something to take home, namely a vase. I don’t know why, they just seem to sell really really good ones! An interiors store, not quite like all the others. It has a bohemian vibe to it and a really well curated selection of lovely things. Apologies in advance for any purchases made! Find it here.
Saturday Market
A small, but perfectly formed market local market on Union Street car park, which sells vintage homewares, the most amazing local flowers and lots of local food too (including a great wine selection). I would stop by here in the morning, and get everything you need for a picnic on the vast stretch of beach in the afternoon. Sometimes I spend so much time looking around a place I’m exhausted by the time I leave, this is the perfect plan to ensure sit down and drink it all in.
8:30am - 3:00pm, every Saturday.
Victuals & Co
I’ve wanted to eat here for ages, before I even knew what restaurant it was. The menu entitled ‘raid the larder’ has always intrigued me as I’ve walked past. On a Sunday evening, the chefs write a menu based on whatever ingredients they have left from the week’s stock. Making for an ever changing, and delicious menu. Three courses on a Sunday are £22, we had a really lovely time. If you’re going any other day, it’s more a treat yourself kind of place, but they food is oh so worth it! It has recently been taken over, and I can say this Deal institution seems to be under great new set of hands. Book a table here.
The King’s Head
In the middle of June this pub becomes the prettiest in the South East coast, with the most lovingly tendered to hanging baskets, blooming with flowers. I am told they are all looked after by one gentleman, who you will see often watering them. They stretch for the whole of this little row of pubs, guest houses and restaurants on Beach Street. I really like Shepherd Neame pubs, not just for their sign painting on the outside of all their establishments, a true sign you are in the ‘Garden of England’. Find it here.
Other things to look out for:
Doors of Deal. As the doors in Dublin have their very own hashtag #DoorsofDublin on Instagram, the doors of Deal definitely deserve one too! If you take a wander down Middle Street you’ll find the most well kept houses, with walls and doors painted in the sweetest colour combinations. Although it’s mid June, the best time to visit this street is Christmas, as everyone seems to have a beautiful wreath on their front door. Never fails to put me in the festive spirit!
The Pier. You can’t miss it, it’s not to everyone tastes but I love it. This brutalist concrete construction was built in 1957, and has been featured in the BBC programme Liar…after my parents saw this and took a trip to Deal afterwards, they were thrilled with all the landmarks they spotted from the show. The restaurant at the end of the Pier is currently up for rent, but they have some lovely toilets (you know I love to to let you know about all the public facilities available). You can also fish off the pier between April and November. Last summer we (read, Jack) caught several mackerel which we took home to cook, a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
Deal Beach Parlour. The friendliest beach side cafe I’ve ever been in, not fine dining, but a traditional ice cream parlour which is what you come to the seaside for right? They serve retro sundaes and epic club sandwiches, for which you’ll need a napkin or two to contain the filling.
The High Street. Voted one of the best high street’s in the UK, it’s not hard to see why. It’s full of independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops, cake pit stops, and lots more in between. Make sure you have a good wander up and down to explore all Deal has to offer.
The Post Room. Don’t miss this little cafe next to the train station, if only all train station pit stops were as nice as this. Perfect for grabbing a coffee and sandwich to soften the blow of having to go home.
You can travel from London to Deal, for only £25 for an Off-Peak Day Return, visit the Southeastern website for the T&Cs and the full range of summer offers. Let me know where you are going to explore in the comments!
