Only an hour and a half by train from St Pancras, the historic coastal town of Deal prides itself on its pastel-painted Georgian architecture, unspoilt expanse of shingle beach, thriving independent High Street and restaurants that have seen national food critics circling. A flurry of spring/summer openings have added to an already abundant selection of places to enjoy – but be warned, you might fall in love so hard you end up moving there.
Eat
Popup Cafe is the place to head for a vegetarian breakfast, brunch or cheese-and-kimchi toastie made on its famous sourdough. Further up the high street is the newly opened Climpson & Sons, where owner Ian Burgess has branched out from his long-running London coffee empire – including a collaboration with Tomos Parry at Brat x Climpsons Arch – to bring his “cafe by the sea” vision to life, complete with pintxos style food at the counter. From the folks behind The Rose Hotel, The Blue Pelican is a cosy spot for Japanese small plates and nourishing bowls of ramen. Those wanting to go all-in on seafood should head to fishmonger Jenkins and Son where you can sit and feast on scallop-and-bacon rolls and plancha-seared fish before heading home with a fresh haul.
Drink
Deal’s love of a drinking den speaks to its rowdy past as a pit stop for sailors and smugglers. These days, it’s a tad more civilised – and it doesn’t get much chicer than sipping on a glass of orange wine (served on tap) and grazing on a plate of oysters or dressed crab at the recently expanded wine bar and shop Le Pinardier. Another much-loved pub, The Deal Hoy, has been given a sympathetic upgrade by owners Andy Freeman and Rachel Butterworth, who carefully restored the interiors and introduced the cult Kentish Cherry Negroni. The Foresters Arms on the seafront was saved from possible redevelopment by five local businesswomen last summer and retains its status as a legendary local with unbeatable sea views.
Shop
There are tales of people driving all the way from east London just to stock up on the incredible fennel sausages from butcher Lizzy Douglas at The Black Pig, so it’s worth packing a cool bag. Gallery and homewares store Will & Yates is the place to head if you’re on the hunt for some handmade ceramics, baskets or vintage French linens, or if you feel like investing in a piece of art from the likes of Kate Boxer or artist co-owner Caroline Yates. Mileage sells some incredible refurbished vintage furniture, dinnerware and vintage ornaments. Studio 110 is a new boutique from local interior designer Belinda Benton, with an immaculate interior and carefully sourced menswear from brands like Edwin and Oliver Spencer.
Do
Deal has long been a draw for artists, and there are a handful of excellent galleries worth checking out. Linden Hall Studio has thoughtfully curated exhibitions from contemporary artists like painter Lottie Cole and Royal Academy alumnus Tim Ellis. Don’t Walk Walk gallery at the other end of town has abstract painter Neil Horenz-Kelly’s swirling seascapes on show, and modern works from the likes of Noel Fielding and Grace Pickering. Once you’ve had your fill of the town, a stroll along the seafront to Kingsdown – grabbing a coffee from Hut 55 cafe in Walmer along the way – will lead you to the Zetland Arms on Kingsdown Beach, where you can enjoy a pint or glass of wine and a plate of fried whitebait overlooking the ocean.
