Discover Deal, Kent - Things to do and places to go summer 2025
Deal is the coastal gem that really does have it all
With the white cliffs off in the distance, the stretching pebble beach of Deal offer views of the Channel as well as historic landmarks that would rival any town in the country.
There’s not one, but two of Henry VIII’s Medieval fortresses, with both Deal and Walmer Castle a short walk along the beach from the town centre. Out in the waves is Deal Pier, while a small seated square, surrounded by pubs and restaurants are a great focal point on the sea front. A stack of shops, bars and cafes contribute to palpable waterside buzz.
From the rows of stunning townhouses to the narrow lanes of cottages, Deal is packed with great places to wander. But it is certainly the independent businesses that make Deal one of the most sought after destinations for a short stay.
We picked out a few favourites.
EAT & DRINK
You’ll be had pressed to find a better breakfast than at the Deal Pier Kitchen. If it’s glorious sunshine, then brilliant, if it's raining sideways, then brilliant - it is known to have queues up the pier even in the harshest of weathers.
While their menu does change with the seasons, it would be worth keeping eye out for the slow-cooked Ham Hock Guinness Rarebit.
Make sure you grab a coffee from Middle Street Coffee (images below) - it’s an amazing little spot, to grab speciality coffee to go, or to sit in and watch the world go by. Open daily at 6:30am, you can chat, chill in the corner with something to read, and even grab one of their fabulous cakes. Working with local roasters, Middle Street is on a mission to make great coffee accessible for everyone - not just connoisseurs - and you shouldn’t miss it.
In the High Street, the Pop-up Cafe, (see images below), which started life as a temporary pop-up cafe, has now stayed as a permanent pop-up cafe, which is nice because their coffee (by Margate’s Curve) is fantastic, and their home-made Viennoiserie and breads are something else. It’s a great place to stop for brunch and lunch, with favourites of ours including the Kim-cheese (Cheddar toastie with kimchi) and Moroccan beans on toast with aubergine, allspice, parsley, beans and garlic on sourdough toast.
The Lane Bakery and Restaurant are well known for their themed afternoon teas, while we’ve also eaten with the Soul Chef, for his authentic Jamaican food that operates out of The Port Arms on the front.
Sister properties The Blue Pelican and The Rose, both offer something completely different to tickle the tastebuds. Facing the beach, the year-old Pelican has been attracting attention for its amazing mix of European dishes flamboyantly underpinned with Japanese ingredients and flavour. The bright Mediterranean-feel of the dining area is balanced against the close quarters ‘chef’s counter’ where diners overlook the open flames attended to by chef Luke Green and his team.
Inspired by Japanese Izakaya, a natural wine list, a series of Far Eastern spirits and cocktails make up the bevvies.
On our previous visit (images above), we had the amazing lunchtime set menu on a bamboo tray, with raft of bowls including delicate gamba prawns in rich beef fat butter, a punchy bowl of pickles and ferments, smoked broth with sticky rice and a creamy crumbed crab croquette. Check out the large fabric mural of the local seafront by Kent artist Tom Maryniak, and inspired by Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa, or you could even pop upstairs to The Pelican Rooms for some yoga, massage or facial at the top of the seafront townhouse.
As the older sibling, The Rose (Images above) is well established and widely-renowned for both its food and its overnight stays. Reviewed by food and travel writers from across media, The Rose has been serving up special experiences for years now. Understated, but splendidly cool, the interiors are comfortable with low lighting and velvety-banquette seating for diners, while smaller more-intimate tables offer corners of calm for guests staying for a drink, or perhaps a late-night cocktail if you’re staying upstairs.
There are eight unique bedrooms combining luxurious beds and a mix of vintage furnishings with each stay including breakfast and a Brandy nightcap. Look out for their guest chef pop-ups - the iconic Nuno Vujante is a regular - while their ever-changing, Kent-focused lunch and dinner menus are special in their own right.
There are notable other spots for dining out, including Updown Farmhouse in the countryside outside of the town, while the long-established Victuals is often referenced in the town centre.
You’ll be hard to beat The Bohemian on the seafront for a good pint at a modern pub, but for something really special, it’s worth taking a trip to Frog And Scot.
In the heart of the town, the bar and kitchen (images below) is run by its owners Benoit and Sarah, the eponymous Frog and Scot - get it? It’s a relaxing environment where customers can swing by for just a drink, book an intimate bistro table for dinner, dine at the bar alongside the friendly bar staff, or while away the afternoon on the heated outside terrace, watching the world pass by on Deal’s bustling High Street.
If small plates, like tempura coley in salsa verde and wasabi mayo or Bavette steak with roquefort butter, not your thing? Don’t worry! There are a few large plates on the menu, too (think whole sea bass with sauce vierge and chervil, or sirloin steak with chimichurri, chips and salad), using ultra-local, seasonal and fresh, with all the meat and fish being ethically sourced from local Kent farms and fishmongers.
While draught beers are currently from Tenterden’s Pig and Porter brewery, there is an amazing array of wines by the glass and carafe, including organic, natural, and vegan, while fancier bottles can also be tried due to their new Coravin system! Our favourite thing to do, though, is to sit at the bar and let their superb mixologists to the test - check out the spicy Thai Cosmo comp,lete with its homemade chilli syrup and the beautifully fresh Espresso Martini.
STAY
If you’re going to make a weekend of it, the good news is there’s a lot of options, with different styles of stay on offer.
Foreland Cottages is rooted in Deal and offers a handpicked collection of exceptional holiday homes along the Kent coast, from Walmer, Deal and Kingsdown to Sandwich Bay and St Margarets. Founded by locals with a deep love for the area, the team blends insider knowledge with a passion for hospitality, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless, tailored experience. Each property is beautifully styled, with a focus on comfort, character and sustainability - but it’s the team’s care and local insight that make all the difference.
If a few nights in the countryside, or even under the stars takes your fancy, then Fallow Fields Camping at Selson Farm might just be the perfect pick for you. From all the bells and whistles Glamping to basic camping or caarvanning, they have got a spot for everyone as well as some amazing family activities and even an on-site restaurant (see the Staycations section for a full article).
Alternatively, there’s the option of the Roseyard - a luxurious rural retreat based near Eastry. Having restored and renovated the historic farm site in which it’s based, Roseyard consists of three separate and totally unique buildings - The Brick Barn, The Cartlodge and The Stable.
In total there are 11 bedrooms, which can now accommodate 22 people in understated luxury - perfect for a big family stay, a party or a group of friends looking to relax and feel at home. There are two kitchens, two inside dining areas, one which can seat all 22 guests, a playroom and cosy snugs. Outside there are the beautiful gardens and outside dining area, as well as an incredible pool house and gym. It has everything you could need for a short stay…. Everything you could need for a long stay, too.
A short hop from Deal is the village of Worth, which has this year welcomed the reimagined Blue Pigeons - a beautifully-designed, family run restaurant and hotel. Guests will be absolutely spoiled with the various stunning spaces that make up the Blue Pigeons (images below), from the front lounge with its warm welcome, sparkling bar and grand piano, to the light and airy restaurant with exposed brickwork and blue velvet banquette seating.
Outside its beautiful gardens complete with sun trap terrace and outdoor dining spaces are breathtaking. In the kitchen renowned local chef Scott Hubble has taken up the reins, and launched a brand new menu - look out for the gin-cured sea trout with cucumber relish, oyster emulsion, dill and kelp cracker!
There are eight charming rooms, each named after the owners’ children, and each with their own little quirks. From roll-top baths to the occasional mini library with accompanying chaise lounge, each nook has character. Picture frames that turn out to be televisions and amazingly crafted ergonomic coffee centres, show off the attention to detail in every room.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation, they’re perfect for a peaceful escape, or romantic getaway.
Now, if you want to stay even longer, and many do, Deal-based Relocate to Kent is owned and run by Beth Morgan and Anita Lewis, who have a wealth of county knowledge and experience within the property sector.
Beth and Anita will undertake a search based on your requirements to find the right home for you, while they have also partnered with a Kent-based estate agent, to offer the same quality service for existing clients looking to sell their homes, too.
RETAIL THERAPY
While the vibrant town market takes place on Saturdays, the range of independent shops and galleries are box office.
At The Little Purple Wardrobe, a myriad of hats, clothes, shoes and accessories are on spectacular display.
A boutique hat and dress agency (where sellers can receive 60% of the sale price), it offers a unique shopping experience for those seeking high-quality second-hand, pre-loved items. From their 500-plus hats and fascinators for weddings or the races, to designer dresses, it specialises in occasion pieces with huge fashion names adorning every rail and shelf.
For all your audio needs, Deal Radio at HQ is the place to go. With the broadcast studio at the back of the store where DJS are spinning up tracks for the online station, it’s always a lively atmosphere. There’s rare records, CDs and DVDs, as well as band merch and t-shirts… but there’s more, much more (images below). It houses two record labels - Evolution Music and Rouette Records, and are likely about to change the world with its eco-vinyl (more to come on this in the next issue).
Premium curated resale store Positive Retail is always well worth popping into for some amazing high-end finds.
Just in case the British weather decides to throw a wobbler, Coastal Clothing (images below)has a range of stunning functional and outdoor wear - as well as a great mix of accessories and sports pieces.
Founded by Alice Moore 18 months ago, the store has curated a range of high-quality beach-ready pieces, from the Sandbanks paddleboards to Swim Wild chunky knitwear and the Go Emu Drybags - everything you need for a stylish and functional seaside experience.
The nicely laid-out store, which also displays artwork from superb local signwriter Gary Wells, stocks the Deal By The Sea brand, and although the pieces are created in the West County, their name was inspired by the founder’s visit to the Kent coastal town. The range includes boatneck tops, reversible jackets, cargo shorts and beautifully created cotton yacht smocks. There are some amazing finds that you just won’t find anywhere else.
In the High Street, the cute little shop with the green exterior is Barkened. Run by Emma and Rob, the store is dedicated to designing and handcrafting its own goods while also supporting other independent makers, bringing customers a range of unique and thoughtful products focused around people, dogs and homes.
A passion for things that are simple, functional and made to last, care for the environment sits at the heart of the production process for their own-brand and partner products. Carefully chosen makers include the likes of Insane in the Rain coats, which are made from plastic bottles taken from the sea, and Goodwash which is a social enterprise whose profits help improve the lives of people and animals.
As the name suggests, there is also a great range of pet accessories such as leads, collars harnesses, blankets and toys, but Emma and Rob’s eye for detail has seen them extend their range into a fantastic selection of beauty and grooming products (for humans) and unique card and stationery - there’s some amazing pieces!
DISCOVER
There are a number of locations to discover the arts, from the neat Astor Theatre, which has built a great reputation for bringing top comedians, while also hosting events at other venues like Deal Castle.
On the Walmer side of the town, The Lighthouse is an amazing venue for great food, but it’s better known for its ;love music scene, giving up and coming bands a platform to show off their talents as well as becoming a regular gig stop-off for some big touring artists.
The Museum of Moving Image is a fascinating collection of wonders, while Smugglers Record Shop in King street is well known for its in-house independent record label, vinyl store, craft beer bar and yearly music festival.
There are a number of great spaces selling art, but two of our favourites are the Linden Hall Studio, which has a focus on contemporary art from international creators with its monthly changing features and event, as well as the Taylor-Jones & Sons Gallery, set in a Grade II-Listed Georgian building, displaying art in its underground gallery where you can explore old wine vaults - once the entrance to Deal's infamous smuggling tunnels. Cool huh?
If blowing off the cobwebs with a bit of sport is your thing, you can head up to Play Padel to give the fastest growing sport in the UK a try. Alternatively, you can get out and see the sites with Park Cycles.
A family-run business with more than 30 years in the cycle trade, there’s not a lot that founder Toby Taylor doesn’t know about when it comes to cycling. From restoring decades old vintage road bikes through to stocking the latest all-terrain E-Mountain Bikes, Park Cycles has the knowledge and the know-how. Sister store to Ramsgate’s renowned Harbour Bikes, Park Cycles also offers rentals for people looking to explore the town, the seafront and the surrounding countryside - with safety equipment and locks included in your hire. It’s a great way to see everything on your visit to the town.
