THE LOWDOWN

Listen up, Londoners, Kent-staycationers and anyone looking for a romantic retreat from further afield. Make your next destination Deal, and more specifically The Rose Hotel, Bar & Restaurant. It’s just minutes from the seafront and ticks pretty much all of the boxes that we love here on Muddy.

Several years ago, a complete interior transformation turned this previous seaside pub into one of the ultimate chic seaside escapes in the south east – with travel writers, food critics and the Muddy team all falling over themselves to sing its praises (hey we’re not proud).

Husband and wife team, Christopher Hicks and Alex Bagner, run The Rose together – ensuring the three magic ingredients are mixed together just right here – hotel-style comforts, seriously good food and more quirky charm than you can shake a washed-up-on-the-beach stick at.

THE LOCATION

Centrally located, set amongst boutiques, vintage shops and Deal’s charming conservation area, The Rose is just a two-minute saunter to the beach and the pier. It is also a short stroll from Deal train station, where the high-speed train to London takes just 1hr and 20mins and runs every hour.

THE VIBE

You’ll want to Pinterest every corner of this hotel, from the gorgeous terrace at the rear to their deliciously decorated bedrooms. Vibrant colour meets antique chic and home comforts. You’ll be challenged to find a more snug seaside stay.

EAT

There’s been lots of positive praise for the restaurant too, which serves classic-yet-modern British fare. The menu showcases simple yet sophisticated dishes and, not surprisingly, seafood features prominently. (There’s some good kids dishes too, should you have them in tow).

The kitchen credentials here are red hot, with the ever innovative Nuno Mendes (previously of Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, no less) onboard as executive chef. Nuno collaborates on menus with The Rose head chefs Luke Green and David Gadd and together they create seasonal dishes with a twist.

STAY

The 8 double bedrooms are all elegantly designed – an instagrammers dream – combining bold colours, luxurious beds and a mix of vintage furnishings. All rooms have private bathrooms with walk-in showers, larger rooms have additional baths, a dressing table/seating area and TVs.

Larger rooms can accommodate child-size extra mattresses and/or a cot. Certain rooms can accommodate a small, well-behaved dog. (Charges for cots, mattresses and dogs apply – make sure to ask when booking.)

Better still, leave the little ones at home and head to this romantic retreat à deux. Our bags are already packed!