‘Foodie paradise’ named one of the UK’s top seaside towns

Kent is well known for its stunning beaches and quaint English villages making it a popular destination for thousands of visitors during the summer months.

It should come as no surprise then, that some of Kent’s beaches get so busy that they start to resemble bustling Spanish resorts, with barely any space to lay your towel.

It is this type of overcrowding which could be the very reason why only one of Kent’s coastal gems made it into the top 20 of the annual Which? list of the UK’s 120 Best Seaside Towns.

According to Which? the survey of 4,744 members revealed that holidaymakers prefer “love unspoilt beaches, gorgeous scenery, and peace and quiet” over “the crowded hot spots in the South East or South West”.

The popular resort of Margate, for example, with its golden sands, artistic atmosphere, excellent eateries and the Turner Contemporary, was unfortunately ranked as one of the worst seaside towns in the UK by Which?

One possible reason for this, apart from the crowds, could be the loss of its Blue Flag status earlier this year, indicating that it no longer meets the standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

However, the town of Deal just a bit further along the coastline has managed to secure a spot in the top 20, coming in at 18th place. Slowly gaining recognition as a hidden gem on the county’s east coast, Deal is earning accolades such as being one of the best places to live in Kent and topping Secret London’s list of Kent Seaside towns close to London.

Nestled on the Strait of Dover, Deal has been thrust into the gastronomic spotlight. Hailed by The Guardian as one of the UK’s finest “hidden” culinary gems, this is a place where diners can feast on fish so fresh it has come straight from the boats.

According to one impressed visitor, you’ll find the local fisherfolk to be “invariably friendly and helpful.” One Londoner who loved the town so much they moved there added “the town has morphed into something of a bit of a gastro hub”.

Residents and visitors alike take delight in lounging on the pretty shoreline, basking in the grandeur of the “vast sea”, finding tranquillity on the “peaceful beach”, or wandering post-dinner under skies set aflame with evening hues. Even under the sullen embrace of overcast skies, this Kent town someone still manages to impress. 

For fans of good food, The Blue Pelican in Deal, renowned for its splendid seaside views and Japanese-inspired fare, has clinched a spot in The Good Food Guides coveted top 100 list for 2024. Grace Dent, the famed food connoisseur from The Guardian, was captivated by The Blue Pelican’s sophisticated and adventuresome twist on Japanese cuisine, declaring it a treasure so prized that locals might think twice before letting “down from Londons” in on their secret.

The town is also home to the distinguished Frog and Scot, a Michelin-lauded eatery celebrated for its vivacious French bistro charm. Offering al fresco indulgence it also serves an array of exquisite cocktails just a stone’s throw from both the conservation area and the welcoming beachfront.

If you can tear yourself away from the food and drink, there are plenty of other attractions in the town. One of the most notable being Deal Castle, a relic from the reign of Henry VIII. Open all year round, the castle invites the public to delve into its rich history and explore its famous underground tunnels.

The Deal Timeball Tower Museum is another crowd-pleaser. The Deal Timeball is a Victorian maritime Greenwich Mean Time signal perched on top of a four-storey waterfront tower. The museum inside offers insights into maritime history and the significance of the tower, along with various exhibits.

Other popular attractions include the Astor Theatre, the Kent Museum of the Moving Image and Deal’s Old Town, brimming with unique shops and eateries.

Deal Beach may be pebbly, but it’s perfect for a dip and watching small fishing boats. There’s a lovely promenade for a breath of fresh sea air and a good walk. Once ranked number 1 in the Telegraph’s ’10 top spots to lay your beach towel’ the beach also boasts one of only two piers in Kent.

Dating back to the 1950s, it stretches an impressive quarter of a mile out to sea, complete with the Deal Pier Kitchen and fishing decks at the end.

If you’ve brought your bikes, there’s a cycle path running from Kingsdown past Walmer and Deal castles, all the way to the pier.

There are also attractive flower beds and a vibrant seafront lined with restaurants, pubs, and cafes that add charm to any stroll. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor seating complete with parasols, indulge in classic fish and chips, savour ice cream from local parlours, and explore the delights of Deal Shellfish Stall.

Then there is the striking ‘Embracing the Sea’ statue, a masterpiece by Jon Buck. This impressive sculpture stands at 10ft tall, weighs a hefty three tonnes, and is cast in exquisite bronze. Commissioned by Dover District Council and is a legacy of former Deal solicitor Frank Kennett, it has been gracing the entrance to Deal Pier since its unveiling in 1998.

Deal Pier itself is a popular landmark, boasting 595 reviews on Tripadvisor and an impressive average rating of four out of five stars. One recent review reads: “I love the pier. The term ‘brutalist’ was coined by the pioneering modern architect and painter Le Corbusier who described ‘beton brut’ which is ‘raw concrete’ in French. Deal pier is unashamedly brutalist and plain.”

The review continues: “To many locals and visitors it evokes a feeling of reliability and resolute strength. It offers walkers beautiful views of the English Channel, shipping and, occasionally, France. From the far end of the pier there are wonderful panoramic views of the town. The pier is clean and well maintained, stewarded by a Pier Master.”

It concludes with praise for the community spirit and amenities: “Walkers and anglers using the pier are invariably friendly and helpful. The Deal Pier Kitchen at the end of the pier has an excellent menu including a cafe cabin for walkers who like to drink al fresco. I love it.”

The historic town centre is just a stone’s throw away, boasting quaint smugglers cottages, winding streets and abundant signs of its rich history, along with a variety of independent shops and pubs to discover.

Nearby renowned coastal destinations like Dover and those on the Isle of Thanet are also within easy reach by both car and public transport. Therefore, if you’re in search of a fresh seaside town to explore, or considering a move to the coast, Deal should certainly be at the top of your list.