I think that the British seaside is a wonderful place to be at this time of year and after spending the Christmas week in Deal in Kent, I have completely fallen for the place. I booked a cottage (I highly recommend Keepers Cottages) which was very fortunately in the Middle Street district which I now know is the place to be. There is Georgian gorgeousness about the buildings and the streets between the sea front and the high street are charming but still have a lovely rawness about them. Interestingly, there are a number of delectable shops and restaurants that seem to have sprung up recently and would be just at home in the trendy bits of East London as on the Kent coast.
A house on the High Street
These are the sort of houses you find between the sea front and the High Street in the Middle Street conservation area.
I think Farrow and Ball arrived in Deal before I did – I bet that is Pelt.
Lovely interiors, art and gift shop Dunlin and Diver on the High Street selling Thornback and Peel (which I thoroughly approve of!) and other fab things
Hoxton Store opened just before Christmas and completely gorgeous
Super stylish shop with something for everyone stylish – and a tiny (stylish) art gallery at the back. Taylor-Jones and Son
Great wine bar and wine merchant – run by a French man, need I say more.
Very inviting pub in Middle Street
The two restaurants I can recommend are 81 Beach Street which is excellent (don’t be fooled by the website which isn’t excellent but you can successfully book through) and Dunkerleys which has great food and a somewhat, erm, Faulty Towers inspired approach to service and the two that top of my list when I go back are Victuals and Co and The Dining Club based on local recommendation and by pressing my face against the window when they were closed.
I was sorry to leave this delightful town but visiting again soon is on my list of resolutions. Happy New Year to you all.
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