For many years, however, we enjoyed the deal only on weekends. It was the place to escape on a Friday night and spend a few days pottering around. And so, I have a pretty good idea of how I’d like to spend a perfect weekend here, spoiled as we are for choice when it comes to things to do. Here is my tried and tested guide how Spend a few days in the deal.
Friday night
Stepping off the train early on Friday evening, I make an immediate beeline for Middle Street Fish Bar, a legendary local chippy with limited opening hours (5-8pm, Thursday to Saturday), no card machines and a queue out the door. If you get in before 8pm, which is when it stops serving, make sure you have cash and I’d order a large haddock and chips with a side of dill pickle. The owner is obsessed with her oil and potatoes, which means you’re guaranteed clean, flaky crispy batter and properly tasty chips, as well as fresh, flaky fish. You can grab your fish and chips and eat them wherever you live, or even head to the beach if it’s summer.
Pinardier wine The shop and bar on the high street would be my next stop, either picking up a bottle to eat with Chippy Hall or sitting in. Recently, it has been revived and expanded, with a beautiful design by local interior designer Russell O’Loughlin with co-owner Sarah Ross. There is a surprising selection of mainly French wineWith some amazing natural and biodynamic bottles on the shelves and a famously drinkable orange wine on tap. I love the table in the corner bay window nook with the gorgeous tiled backsplash.
On warm evenings there will be tables of drinkers outside its radicchio-painted frontage, enjoying the shade of a smart striped awning and a glass of something delicious with a plate of oysters or French cheese. There are also more substantial plates available, making them ideal if you’ve missed the chip shop cutoff. Traditional shortcrust savory pies made by our amazing local butcher Black Pig (see Saturday) is inappropriate. Think pork and locally foraged wild garlic, or creamy chicken and tarragon.
Saturday
Saturday is market day in Deal and the town is always packed with local families and visitors who flock to the Union Road carpark, just off the High Street, to browse the antiques and vintage stalls and load up on fresh cuts. Flowers and farmers market produce. There are also artisan cheeses and wines to be found, and I love the seasonal bakes by local craft bakeries’.Eat and mess‘ But before hitting the market, I’ll go ahead Pop up cafe At the other end of town for a great morning coffee, Viennoiserie (croissants made with cultured butter and organic flour) and an egg plate on their famous homemade sourdough, with kimchi they make in house. While you’re at that end of town, bob into my favorite green grocer, Bartlett & White, for some prime Kentish farm produce, whether it’s asparagus, strawberries or a bottle of local cloudy apple juice. Then wander up the high street, which becomes pedestrianized near the market you find.
